Age
film ratings categorise films from their content so that only a certain age
range can view certain films. This is important as it stops young children
watching violent and sexually explicit films. The British Board of Film Classification
(BBFC) is responsible for the classifications and censorship of films within
the UK.
Universal -
U
The
U symbol stands for Universal and means that it is suitable for an audience of
four years and older. U films do now contain high levels of violence but will
allow for very mild violence such as a quick fight scene. Also U films will not
contain sexual behaviour or strong language, however the BBFC do allow for
kissing, cuddling and infrequent use of very mild bad language such as ‘damn’
and ‘hell’.
Examples of U rated films - Ice Age, Despicable
Me, Up, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, The Wild, WALL-E and Toy Story.
Parental
Guidance - PG
PG,
or Parental Guidance, films are suitable for audiences above the age of around
eight years old. Children younger than eight should have permission by their
parents or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to avoid film content
upsetting viewers. Mild bad language, such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’, may
be allowed in a PG category film however if the bad language is used too
frequently or is said in a aggressive manner than the film may be classed as a
higher age rating.
Examples
of PG rated films - Home Alone, Elf, Big Hero 6, The Grinch, Into the Woods,
Brave, Tomorrowland and Minions.
Accompanied
by an adult / Suitable for 12 years and over - 12A / 12
Examples of 12A and 12 rated films - The
Martian, Ant-Man, Maze Runner, Jurassic World, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star
Trek Into Darkness, Interstellar and Everest.
12A
is similar to 12 rated films however 12A films require any child under the age
of 12 to be accompanied by an adult when seeing the film. 12A is typically used
is cinemas and theatres; the accompany of an adult is enforced by staff members
but at home it cannot be enforced as much. This is the reason why DVD’s and
Blu-ray’s have the 12 certificate rather than the 12A certificate. Strong
language such as ‘fuck’ and ‘bitch’ can be present in a 12 of 12A film however,
aggressive uses of strong language may result in the film being rated as a
higher age rating. Sexual behaviour can be briefly shown in a 12 or 12A however
verbal references to sex is not suitable for this age rating. Sometimes verbal
references to sex may be allowed if used for a comedic purpose. Any uses of
discriminatory behaviour or language against sex, race, sexuality, religion,
disability ect..., will not pass for a 12A and 12 rated film.
Suitable for
15 years and over - 15
A
15 rated film is only suitable for an audience over the age of 15 and can
contain strong violence, strong language, sexual nudity, discriminatory
behaviour and language and used of drugs. 15’s are allowed to show people
taking drugs but may not be allowed to show misuse of drugs or highly dangerous
substances such as aerosols and solvents. In a 15 film, there is no limit to
how many times they can use strong language such as ‘fuck’ and ‘bitch’, however
they can only occasionally use what the BBFC rate as the strongest term -
‘cunt’. If the strongest term is used frequently or in an aggressive manner
then the film could be put in a higher age rating category.
Suitable
only for adults - 18
An
18 rated film will contain similar content to a 15 but will be allowed to use
as much strong language, discriminatory terms, portrayal of sex, nudity, and
uses of drugs. Even though 18 are allowed to use as much nudity and non-sexual
education content - 18 films can fully be just a sex film. 18 films are rarer
than U, PG, 12A, 12 and 15 as the majority of people don’t prefer to watch
films with considerably more violence, sex strong language.
Restricted -
R18
Restricted
18 is a special category that is rarely seen but is used to classify very
explicit sex scenes or strong fetish material. R18 films can be shown in
specific licensed cinemas.
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