What are film Certifications? Why do we have them?
Film classifications (or age ratings) section films into categories appropriate for certain age groups. The British Board of Film Classification set these age ratings for the UK; they place films in one of eight classifications.
Uc
Suitable for children under the age of four.
U - Universal
Suitable for audiences of four years and over. The themes featured are appropriate for young children, and mild violence is only permitted if justified by the film's context. Occasional natural nudity, mild sexual behaviour or references (i.e. kissing) are acceptable Horror scenes should be mild, and the result of it reassuring. Additionally, no drug references are to made unless there is an educational aspect to it. Mild explicit language is infrequent, and anything dangerous that young children are likely to copy will not be shown.
PG - Parental Guidance
Parents are advised to supervise young or sensitive children to see PG films, however, this is not legally necessary. More adult themes are featured in PG films. Mild bad language can is permitted and sexual activity may be implied. Natural nudity is accepted, so long as it is not within a sexual context. Moderate violence/horror scenes may be featured, but must be justified by its setting. Any drug references must be innocuous and portrayed with an appropriate message (i.e. anti-drugs). No details of potentially dangerous behaviour which a child is likely to imitate is accepted.
12
Nobody under 12 years of age may watch a 12 rated film. The film must be targeted at a teenage audience, so some mature themes are acceptable. The use of strong language and sexual references are permitted but must be infrequent. There are no restrictions on natural/non-sexual nudity. Sexual violence may be discreetly implied, while general violence is allowed so long as the inflicted injuries aren't emphasised/focussed on. Drug use and other dangerous acts may be included but must not glamourise or romanticise the actions.
12 A - 12 Advisory/Accompanied
The same guidelines that apply to 12 rated films, apply to 12A rated films. However, any child under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in order to see it.
15
Nobody younger than15 years old may see a 15 rated film. Strong language may be featured frequently, but the strongest terms may only be used if context permits for it. Sexual nudity is allowed permitting there is not strong detail. Non-sexual/educational nudity, however, has no restrictions. References to sex may be strong however actual sexual content may only featured without strong detail. Sexual violence must be discreet and brief. General violence may be strong, but should not emphasise the infliction of pain. Prolonging the film doesn't encourage it drug use may also be shown. Strong horror scenes are permitted, but strong gory images most likely aren't. Dangerous acts or behaviour (e.g. suicide) must not be glamourised/romanticised.
18
An 18 rated film must not be seen by anyone under 18 years of age. The BBFC do not usually like to restrict the choices of entertainment of consenting adults so long as the material watched is within the law; and therefore content is only restricted if it puts people at the risk of harm (e.g the portrayal of sexual abuse). With this type of material, the BBFC may have to intervene.
R18 - Restricted 18
An R18 film can only be accessed by legal adults in a licensed cinema or sex store. These films are legally restricted; containing works of explicit consensual sex, or strong fetish material involving adults.
- R
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