Unchained - Suzanne Micael

1. BBFC
15 - Certification
Suzanne Micael

2. What does the 15 certification mean? Are there
limits on the themes that can be included?
The symbol of the 15 certification represents the
restriction of a potential audience under the age of 15
viewing the film at the cinema multiplexes’. Also,
anybody below the age of 15 is prohibited to buy or
rent the DVD format of the media product also. The
BBFC guidelines presents a list of factors that
determine which certification a media product belongs
to. Therefore, there is a list of reasons that makes my
film ‘Unchained’, unsuitable for younger audiences. In
general, no themes are banned/illegal as long as all
material is age appropriate.

3. What might I see in a 15 rated film or
video?
The BBFC recognises specific conventions or aspects that are included in films
that are of the 15 certification. As the genre I have chosen is Horror, I am able
to identify some of these features in the films that I have researched. This
includes:
Strong Violence – This often occurs between the villain and victims, in the
villains attempt to kill the hero etc.
Strong Language – Victims often swear at the villain in an attempt to scare
them away. Also, in contemporary society, young people frequently use
strong language in everyday conversation such as b***h, s**t an f**k.
 Sexual Nature – Sexual display of activity between two characters in the
plot. Sexual language and brief scenes of sexual violence.
Discriminatory language – Although this doesn’t occur much in horror
films, it is sometimes used to make certain characters look more superior
Drug Taking – The use of drugs which disorientates specific characters.

4. Strong Violence
The BBFC outlines that the 15 rating accepts that violence may be
strong to a certain extent. This is only okay if the violence doe not
dwell on any portrayal of the infliction pain. For instance, sadistic
violence or gory imagery. The horror genre does include this
feature heavily in most horror film plots. In my film, I have kept to
the guidelines of the certification as violence is used however it is
done appropriately and is used as a method of defence. Almost all
the characters are seen in a violent fight against the demonic
figure. This is necessary as it is apart of the build-up of suspense
needed for my storyline. It is also essential to consider they way my
target audience will consume the information they receive from my
media product as there could be impressionable individuals who
attempt to recreate violent scenes.

5. Strong Language
Throughout my synopsis, a great deal of strong violence is used as
part of the dialogue towards the middle and ending of the
narrative. This is completely important in reference to the BBFC
guidelines as it classifies that there is a differentiation between
strongest terms and weaker terms. It states that there is no upper
limit on the number of uses of a term such as b***h. Within my
film, the group of characters repetitively call Jayden a pussy as he
is determined no to go on the camp site. Also, Hannah repetitively
insults the demon using the term ‘f**k’ numerously when trying to
fight him off. Although this is considered acceptable, it is important
to recognise the 15 rating considers terms for instance ‘c**t’ as a
stronger words. These terms have more caution with their use and
if continued in an aggressive way, the film then becomes unsuitable
for a 15 official recognition.

6. Sexual Nature
Similar to the previously stated factors, sex and sexual references
can be shown in a 15 rated movie; as long as the scenes don't dwell
on details of the matter and as long as it is deemed appropriate.
Also, the setting, realism, context and length of the scene comes
into the picture as it separates whether it the sexual nature is
relevant to the movie plot. My narrative includes a minute amount
of sexual nature, with only some scenes using sexual language and
some sexual activity. This includes Hannah and Michael going into
the forest with Hannah pressuring Michael to have sex with her but
Michael opposing due to the surroundings. In terms of nudity,
Hannah is only seen in her underwear, which the BBFC considers
suitable for this particular rating. Besides this, no scenes of sexual
violence are depicted in ‘Unchained’.

7. Discriminatory Language
The 15 film rating describes discriminatory terms and language as acceptable as long
as the film as a whole does not actually endorse the terms and make them appear
acceptable for the target audience to use. Examples of discriminatory language
include homophobic, racist and generally offensive words. Delving into my narrative,
this is used in violent scenes between the villain and the characters in which the
victims insult the demon by calling him a ‘spastic’ and ‘retarded’.
Use of Drugs
In the middle of my storyline, after the group arrive at the campsite, Jason and Jayden
both begin to smoke, whilst the rest of the group share bottles of alcohol. The BBFC
guidelines view this as adequate for the 15 rating as it doesn't promote the use of
drugs. This is also realistic as people of that age do drink and smoke in modern society.