The BBFC considers 9 main issues when classifying films: sex scenes, nudity, language, violence, weapons, drugs, horror, racism, and techniques that may harm children. Sex scenes and nudity are classified based on whether they are explicit or implied. Language is classified based on the use of swear words. Violence is considered based on depictions of blood, weapons, and whether violence is glorified. Drugs and racism must not be depicted in a way that glamorizes them. Harmful techniques like suicide cannot be shown. Overall, the BBFC aims to classify films at the appropriate age level based on these various content issues.

1. BBFC Media Notes
There are 9 issues that the bbfc deal with when classifying films. They are Sex scenes, Nudity,
Language, Violence, Weapons, Drugs, Horror and Racism.
Sex Scenes- When classifying a film that has a sex film it is important to see if the film just
suggest that sexual things are happening for examples characters are under the covers or
wake up in bed with each other the following morning or if you actually see it happen for
example nudity. Also they need to look at if the scene is actually needed as either as part of
the story line or to get to know the characters personality more and if it doesn’t do either of
these then it is seen to be liberal which means more free and not needed. For example the
film The Monsters Ball has a long sex scene but it is needed as part of the plot. When it
comes to classifying films with sex scenes they are as follows-
U/PG/12 – sex references they are just suggested not shown.
12+ - real sex scenes are shown.
At 12A sex references should not go past what’s appropriate at that age.
Nudity- There are two different types of nudity natural nudity and sexual nudity. Sexual
nudity been characters shown in the nude about to do or do something sexual or natural
nudity such as a characters wearing a bikini. At PG there is no limit on natural nudity. Nudity
can be given a PG but as soon as sex comes into the film it becomes a higher certificate.
12=head/shoulders/boob(idea of it-don’t see it)
15=see full body nudity
18=movement
For example in the film Titanic it got a 12A but there is no sex just nudity but there was
many complaints saying the scene was not needed.
Language- The public feel very strongly about language in films. The classifying goes as
follows:
U/PG/12- no bad language.
15/18 - use of the F and C word.
Many films have such a high certificate just because of the language used in it such as the
film Billy Elliot which could not get anything lower than a 15 because of its use of bad
language.
Pgeroribe words such as spaz and retard cause complaints in films that have a rating such as
U/PG/12 because they are offensive terms but are not seen as bad language so are allowed
to be shown at these ratings. As soon as bad language is in a film it goes straight to a 15 for
example in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral straight away in the first few minutes there
is strong language and use of the F word. Its not about the amount of bad language its the
context.
Violence- Violence shows major issues when classifying a film. As soon as blood is shown it
instigates the violence is getting stronger so straight away the film would get a higher age.
More concern is shown on the weapons shown that are more accusable in every day life
such as knifes as younger people can access these and may copy what happens in the film.
This sometimes means films cutting out these scenes such as the Lara Croft film did to get a
lower certificate. Who uses the weapon is big, if the ‘bady’ is using it is seen to be more
acceptable as it is shown that its the bad thing to do but id the ‘goody’ is seen using it its not

2. so good. Also glamorising the weapons is a big no no for example making them look shiny
shows them in a better light. Aslong as you don’t see the violence but you know its
happening the certificate can be lowered for example in the film Casino Royal.
Drugs- Parents are particularly concerned. Classifying is careful when drug references are
made but as soon as the films SHOWS people takings drugs the age immediately goes up.
The film must not glamorise the drugs and show both effects of taking them the good and
the bad. Films should not show somebody how to take drugs.
Horror- People pay for horror films to scare them there fore when classifying them they are
less strict. Although they do not want them to disturb young people. When comedy comes
with horror the age gets lowered for example Shaun Of The Dead.
Racism- Racism is taken very seriously and people are very passionate about it. Times have
changed and people are feeling more strongly about racism shown in films.
Immutable Techniques- Child protection is risen in this issue as films should not show things
that may harm children if they copy it for example the film Lilo and Stitch showed Stitch
getting into a washing machine so the scene had to be cut to allow it to get a lower
classification. Films that show suicidal techniques can not be shown for example in the film
The Mummy the scene was cut as it showed a long scene of somebody hanging.
Other Notes:
Main issue risen is VIOLENCE
In 2001 12A became a certificate and the Bourne Identity was the first 12A film
Films want a lower certificate to get a bigger market
I was shocked that Blazing Sadles got a 12A with its amounts of racism and bad language
but the humour lightens it.
Films that cause controversy:
Die Hard 4- because of its frequency of moderate violence
Occasional sadistic violence
A partial use of strong language (MOTHERF*****)
Shreak 2- had 40 complaints because of the use of the word ‘bloody’
One scene was cut as a character head buts another character showing to much violence
in the wrong context.
Bee Movie- Scenes were cut as a bee was trying to be killed which shows immutable
techniques for kids.