3. The U stands for Universal which means that it
should be suitable for children aged 4 and
above. only very mild bad language such as
'damn' and 'hell' should appear in a U
classified film. Very occasionally, words such
as 'bugger' and 'bloody' may be used, but only
if justified by the content. Characters may be
seen kissing or cuddling and there may be
references to sexual behaviour (i.e. to ‘making
love’). However, there will be no overt focus
on sexual behaviour or language. A U rated film
may contain moments where a character is placed
in danger, but any emotional distress should be
resolved quickly and have a reassuring outcome.
No other references to violence should be seen.
children’s work at U will generally contain
positive messages about loyalty, honesty and
friendship, particularly amongst children. The
film or DVD will have a happy ending for the
child and the overall tone should be one of
reassurance.
U films are unlikely to contain discriminatory
language or behaviour unless it is clearly
disapproved of.
4. 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. No
theme is prohibited at a PG category, so
long as it is treated in a manner
suitable for the correct audience. There
may be mild bad language, such as ‘shit’
or ‘son of a bitch’ in a PG film, but if
the language is used aggressively or if
there is too much bad language, a work
may be passed at the next category.
Potentially dangerous behaviour which
children might copy (such as a child
climbing into a washing-machine or
playing with electricity) is unlikely to
be acceptable at PG, especially if it
comes across as safe or fun. references
to sex are accepted in PG films, as long
as they are vague and undetailed.
5. A 12A rating only applies to
movies in the cinema. The A
stands for 'accompanied‘ and
'advisory', meaning that
children aged 12 or above may
see the film unaccompanied.
Children below the age of 12 can
see the film, but they must be
accompanied by an adult aged 18
or over who must watch the film
with them.
6. The BBFC's Guidelines state that there
may be strong language at 12 (or
12A), but it must be infrequent.
Aggressive uses of strong language may
result in a film or DVD being placed at
the 15 category. There is some allowance
for puns on strong language at this
category.
Sex may be briefly and discreetly
portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex
references should not go beyond what is
suitable for young teenagers.
There may be nudity in 12A films but
sexual nudity should only be brief and
discreet
7. For ages 15 and above only. May
contain strong violence
frequent strong
language, portrayals of sexual
activity, strong verbal references
to sex, sexual nudity, brief
scenes of sexual violence or
verbal references to sexual
violence, discriminatory language
or behaviour and drug taking
8. Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one
under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at
the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD.
No 18 rated works are suitable for
children.
No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are
free to pick their own entertainment
within the law, so it is possible some
themes tackled at 18 may be offensive
even to some adult viewers.
Very strong, crude and explicit sex
references, strong violence, very strong
language and strong horror are permitted
at 18.
9. 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.
10. My film certificate
The certificate I have chosen
for my own film is a 15. This
is because in my whole film
there is likely to be some
strong violence and bad
language, which will be
frequent and aggressive,
making it unable to pass at a
12 certificate. However, it
won’t be violent enough or
have any sexual references to
make it an 18 rating.
