The document discusses different age rating certificates (U, PG, 12A, 15, 18) in the UK film classification system. It provides details on the types of content allowed under each rating, such as language, sexual content, violence, and drug use. The author believes the 15 rating is most suitable for their film opening, as it allows for strong language, moderate sexual activity and violence, but does not permit very strong or sexually explicit content like the 18 rating.

1. CERTIFICATE RATINGS
Anthony Luongo

3. U RATING (UNIVERSAL RATING)
• This is suitable for ages 4 or over.
• Mild bad language will be involved, for example words like ‘hell’ and
‘damn’. Occasionally, bad language can be slightly worse with such
words as ‘bloody’ and ‘bugger’. This is seen as acceptable for this
age group.
• Sexual content within U rated are very limited, actors within U rated
films can be seen at a limit, hugging and kissing, but no more. There
is no focus on sexual behavior, language and innuendos.
• Taking these facts into consideration, I believe U rating is not a
suitable certificate for my film opening.

4. U RATING
• Violence & Horror: Brief fighting moments can be included with
moments of the character in danger.
• However, moments of stress and emotion must be ensured that
the situation is quickly resolved and the outcome is reassured.
• Drug references must not be shown. In some cases, drugs may
only be shown for educational or anti-drug purpose.

6. PG RATING
• PG stands for Parental Guidance. It should suit to children aged 8 or above
and it should not disturb them and mainly target children within these age
groups, for example films like Home Alone and Night at the Museum are
passed as PG films.
• But some films are not within this category are aimed at this age group.
Films like ‘The Artist’ have been passed as PG film, this is all due to the fact
none of the content disturbs children who are 8 years old.
• PG films tend to try and look at challenging issues such as racism, domestic
violence and bereavement. This would serve as education purposes to the
children watching.
• Taking into consideration these facts, I believe that PG is not a suitable
certificate rating for my film opening.

7. PG RATING
• There are uses of mild bad language in PG films. Such words like ‘S**T’ and ‘Son
of a …’ can be used, so long as they are used and delivered in important context.
• References to sex may be used, as long as the detail is lacking. If a child is
unlikely to understand a reference to sex then this can be placed within the film.
Comedy films tend to use innuendos in which the children do not understand.
• Similarly to sex, violence may only occur in small detail i.e the viewer is only
allowed to see small amounts of blood and are not allow to see how the injury
was inflicted.
• As for horror, only small amounts of jump scares are acceptable within PG films.
• Misuse and references to illegal drugs should only be shown in very little
detail, there should be no heavy focus on the drugs. Furthermore, drugs are only
permitted if they are shown as anti-drugs or educational purposes.

9. 12A RATING
• 12A means anyone aged 12 or over can go to see a film unaccompanied.
Children aged younger than 12 must go to see a film accompanied by someone
18 or above.
• 12A rating applies to cinemas only.
• Strong language can be found in this category but it must be used infrequently.
Words such as ‘F***’ are used infrequently. If films used such words frequently
they could be placed into the 15 age rating. Moderate language can be used such
as ‘T**T’ and ‘B****’. As for discriminative words, they cannot be used in these
films.
• Sex in 12A films must be brief and discreet. Any verbal references to sex must
not go beyond what is suitable for children at this age.
• Looking at the regulations of a 12A, I believe this is not a suitable age rating.
Acceptable

10. 12A RATING
• Moderate violence is acceptable within 12A films but should not go into detail.
There should be not detail or emphasis in blood or injuries, but on occasions gory
moments have occurred, this is due to the context of the film, that being a
medical drama.
• Action scenes with guns and long fighting scenes can be included but they must
ensure that it is not glamorised.
• Scenes of sexual violence must only occur discreetly. They must have a strong
contextual justification.
• Dangerous behaviour such as hanging or self harm can been shown but not
dwelled upon in detail as it maybe copied.
• Discriminatory behaviour must not be shown in 12A films.
• Misuse of illegal drugs must be shown infrequently, but it must not be
glamourised or provide instructional details.

12. 15 RATING
• Films within this bracket are only allowed to be seen by people aged 15 or
older. This applies also to DVDs.
• A great deal of swearing can occur in 15 films as they are seen as
acceptable to hear these words. Words such as ‘F***’ and ‘S***’ are
acceptable on a regular basis. On the other hand, words such as ‘C***’ are
deemed to be unacceptable and may be passed as 18.
• Sexual activity can be portrayed within 15 films, by they must assure its not
very graphic. Nudity and movement is acceptable and again it must to go
into detail.
• Looking at the regulations in believe 15 is the most acceptable age rating to
use.

13. 15 RATING
• Violence in 15 films is acceptable and can be strong, but injury or pain
should not be dwelled upon. The strongest gory images are deemed
unacceptable.
• Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unacceptable and easily
accessible weaponry should not be glamourised.
• They may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any visual
references must be discreet.
• Drugs are allowed to be shown but the works must not promote or
encourage misuse of drugs.
• Misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances such as
aerosols or solvents are unlikely to be shown.

15. 18 RATING
• This rating applies only to people aged 18 or above. This applies to
DVDs to.
• There is no legal or set limit in which 18 films have in the use of bad
language, they can use as much as they please. As stated
previously, words such as ‘F***’ and ‘C***’ can be used frequently
and in an aggressive manner. Racist and homophobic words can be
used.
• Strong and detailed sexual activity is heavily portrayed, this includes
full nudity.
• Very strong, crude and explicit references are allowed in 18 movies.

16. 18 RATING
• Violence is portrayed heavily and pain and injury is dwelled upon
and scenes of sadistic activity or sexual violence is also shown.
• Strong gory images are permitted in this category. Such films like
Saw or Human Centipede are seen in this age rating.
• Use of drugs is shown clearly in this age range, but it must be
assured that it is not used for promotional or encouragement
purposes.