The BBFC is the independent British Board of Film Classification that has been classifying films, videos, DVDs, and some video games shown in UK cinemas and sold/distributed in the UK since 1912. Its primary aims are to protect children and other vulnerable groups from harm through legally enforceable age ratings and content information. Films are normally classified by two examiners using the BBFC's published guidelines. The document then provides details on what each of the main BBFC age rating categories (U, PG, 12A, 15, 18, R18) mean in terms of appropriate audience age and content. It also gives some examples of thriller films and their BBFC ratings.

1. BBFC Film Classification
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2. What is the BBFC?
• The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an
independent, non-governmental body. We’ve classified cinema
films since 1912, videos/DVDs and some video games since 1984.
• Accountable to Parliament, there primary aims are to protect
children and other vulnerable groups from harm through legally
enforceable classification decisions and to empower parents and
children through content information and education. This is a
warning and also stops people that are under the age restrictions,
so they cant watch and are advised not to watch the film.

3. There Rules
• The decisions are legally enforceable and the great
majority of film and video distributors, cinemas and
video retailers are fully with these rules.
• However, sometimes the rules are broken and in
extreme cases this can result in law enforcement
agencies prosecuting those who have flouted the rules.
• On average the BBFC provides evidence for around
370 prosecutions a year under the Video Recordings
Act 1984. These cases generally concern the supply of
unclassified videos, counterfeit videos, or underage
sales

4. What Is Classification?
• Films release are normally classified by at least two Examiners using the
published Guidelines. In most cases the decision is checked by a Senior
Examiner, but if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if
important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other
members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential
team.
• Occasionally it is necessary to take specialist advice about the legal
acceptability of film content or its potential for harm. DVDs are normally
seen by one Examiner, particularly when they are viewing the DVD
version of a cinema film which has already been classified.
• Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable
behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence
when making decisions. They also consider context, the tone and impact
of a work (eg how it makes the audience feel) and even the release format
(for example, as DVDs are watched in the home, there is a higher risk of
underage viewing).

5. What does U mean?
• The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be
suitable for audiences aged four years and over.
However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a
particular child, especially at this lower end of the
category range.

6. What Does PG Mean?
• PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is
suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be
unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not
disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents
should consider whether the content might upset
younger or more sensitive children.

7. What Does 12A and 12 Mean?
• 12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see
the film unaccompanied. The A stands for
'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than
12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult
(eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the
film with them.

8. What Does 15 Mean?
• No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the
cinema. 15 rated works are not suitable for children
under 15 years of age.
• No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is
appropriate for 15 year olds.

9. What Does 18 Mean?
• Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under
18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema.
No 18 rated works are suitable for children.
• No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to choose
their own entertainment provided the material is not
illegal or potentially harmful, so it is possible some
themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some
adult viewers.

10. What Does R18 Mean?
• The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted
classification primarily for explicit works of consenting
sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films
may only be shown to adults in specially licensed
cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults
only in licensed sex shops. R18 videos may not be
supplied by mail order.

11. Examples Of Ratings for
Thrillers
• A VIEW TO A KILL- 1986-This film is rated at a PG (parental
guidance). The BBFC insight of this movie is that it contains mild
action violence, threat, language and sexual reference’s.
• TOWER HEIST- 2012- This film is classified as a 12 as the film
contains infrequent language and moderate sex references.
• JOHN WHICK- 2014- This film has been rated as a 15 as the film
contains strong language and bloody violence.
• SHUTTER ISLAND- 2010- This film has been classified as an 15
as the film contains strong language, bloody injuries and
disturbing images
• THE SILENCE OF LAMBS- 1995- This is classified as a 18 as this
contains very strong violence and strong language.