The document summarizes the BBFC film rating guidelines for the UK. It explains that films are rated based on themes like discrimination, drugs, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex, threat, and violence. A U rating contains minimal or no negative themes, while higher ratings allow increasingly explicit depictions of these themes but still avoid glamorizing harmful behaviors. The 18 and R18 ratings have no restrictions but the R18 is only for explicit consenting adult content shown in licensed venues.

1. BBFC
Guidelines

2. Themes
 There are themes used in films which are used by the BBFC to
judge the age rating of the film.
 These themes are: discrimination; drugs; imitable behaviour;
language; nudity; sex; threat and violence.
 Based on how little or how much of the theme is shown in the
film, it will impact the age rating.

3. U - Universal
 A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and
over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any
particular child. U films should be set within a positive
framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any
violence, threat or horror. – BBFC
 The themes are minimal and have no sense of threat, violence,
descrimination or drugs.

4. PG – Parental Guidance
 A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or
older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but
parents are advised to consider whether the content may
upset younger, or more sensitive, children. – BBFC
 There are references to the themes yet contain no content that
is considered harmful or upsetting to younger children and their
parents.

5. 12/12A
 Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain
material that is not generally suitable for children aged under
12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema
unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a
child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the
film is suitable for that child. No one younger than 12 may rent
or buy a 12 rated video work. – BBFC
 Themes are used more, yet are not glamourized or is brief and
discreet. There is more moderate violence, language and
threat yet it is not used heavy handed or frequently. Sex and
nudity are also used more.

6. 15
 No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one
younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work. – BBFC
 Discrimination is used more freely, touching topics such as
racism and homophobia. Strong language can be used as well
as more violence, threat and drugs yet still cannot be imitable
behaviour or glamourized. Sexual activity can be performed
and there are no constraints on nudity.

7. 18
 No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a
cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18
rated video work. Adults should be free to choose their
own entertainment.- BBFC
 There are no restrictions in any of the themes used as
adult have the choice to choose what they can watch.
Horror films epecially contain more gore, explicit scenes
and bad language considered offensive to anyone
under the age of 18.

8. R18
 To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only
in licensed sex shops, and to adults only 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 video works may not be supplied by
mail order.
 Sex and nudity are the most common themes in these films.
There are restrictions such as pain and physical harm as well as
penetration from violent objects.
 However, other themes can be explored even if not typical of
a R18 film