Age Certificates

Age Certificates

The BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification. They rate theatrically released film and also video games. Legally, the local authorities have the power to decide under which circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but they nearly always chose to follow the advice of the BBFC. It is illegal to supply any recording that has not been certified. 

Different age certificates:

Universal (U)

All ages admitted and and everything is suitable for children. Most Disney films are rated 'U'. This is because the content is suitable for ages four and over. For the very young viewers, the BBFC state that the film is 'particularly suitable for pre-school children'. Films rated 'U' should raise no significant issues in terms of drugs, sex, violence etc. 






PG (Parental Guidance)

PG films are made for suitable viewing, however some scenes are may be unsuitable for younger children. This rating should not disturb children around eight years old or older. May contain mild language and sex/drugs references. May contain mild violence if  justified by context. For example, the first Harry Potter film. 

12A

The A stands for 'Accompanied' and 'Advisory'. Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years. However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch the film. Spiderman was the first film to be certified a 12A. This is because there too much violence for it to be allowed to be shown to 12 year olds, yet couldn't be restricted to 15 year olds and above, because it was  intended as a child's film as well as an adults film. So the BBFC decided to make it a 12A, so kids could watch it under adult supervision. 

 12

Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. There may be strong language but it's infrequent. There may also be brief portrayal of sexual scenes. And moderate violence but no emphasis on injuries or blood.
                                      

 15

Only those over 15 years old admitted, not suitable for children under 15 years. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, frequent strong language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. The Inbetweeners Movie is rated a 15, because it has strong language and mild sex scenes, so it is only suitable for people ages 15 and over to watch. 

18

Only adults are admitted. No limit on the language used, violent scenes are permitted, as well as sexual scenes to an extent. May be racist, discriminatory or homophobic language. Films such as Saw are rated 18 because there is a lot of strong language and violence, which would be unsuitable for people younger than 18 years old. For example, The Exorcist. 

Restricted 18

Special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material for adults. Only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops, to those aged 18 or over. This category demands more cuts than any other category.

My film would be a 15 because there will be hardly any strong language or sexual scenes, the only thing used would be violence, which would be unsuitable for children under the age of 15.