Classification (BBFC)

BBFC are an independent self financing and not for profit media content regulator. 

The BBFC basically examines and age rates films before they are officially released which protects children who are underaged from viewing unsuitable and harmful content in films. This is allows the audience to decide whether they want to watch the film or not due to its age rating. 

The Classifications: 

The 'U' symbol means Universal which should overall be suitable for an audience aged four and over. There is only a little mild bad language used like the words 'bugger' or 'damn.' Moreover, there is no focus on sexual behaviour or language but it is likely to have a reference to sexual behaviour. There are also scenes where characters are placed in danger but these moments of emotional stress are quickly solved and the outcome is reassuring.

The 'PG' symbol means Parental Guidance. This generally means it is not suitable for younger children and that parents should consider whether the content might upset children who are more sensitive. PG films are known to focus on tackling and challenging issues like racism and domestic violence. Smoking and drinking is not promoted or glamorised and if characters are seen smoking or drinking, there will be a message to highlight that it is bad. Also, there is no detail of violence as the injury is not expressed in strong detail but there may be blood.

'12A' simply means that someone over 12 years old can go in the cinema unaccompanied. Children under the age of 12, may watch the film but have to be with someone who is an adult. There is infrequent use of strong language and there may be violence but there is no emphasise on the blood. There may also be long fight scenes which may contain weapons. Dangerous behaviour like self-harming may be shown but will not dwell on detail. As a horror film, disturbing sequences should not be too frequent or sustained.

In a '15' film, no-one under the age is allowed to watch it. It may include strong language, violence, sexual activity, sexual nudity, drug taking and discriminatory behaviour or language. There is no limit in using strong language so it is unpredictable. Also, there may be racist or homophobic references along with sexual activity but no strong or graphic detail. Many horror films are rated 15 but the strongest gory images are unacceptable. 

Films are rated '18' for only adults and there is no theme prohibited as adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law. It contains strong issues like very strong violence, frequent use of strong language, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, blood and gore and real sex (in some circumstances). Strong language could be aggressive, directed and frequent. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. There is also very crude, strong and explicit sex references.