The BBFC and film certificates

 

What are BBFC and what to they do?

The British board of Film Classification (BBFC)  classify films which have cinema and DVD release. They claim their 'focus is on helping children and families choose well by providing them with the guidance they need to help them choose what's right for them and avoid what's not.' - BBFC website. 

They put the ratings on the films which give guidance as to what ages the film is suitable for. 

The things they consider when choosing a category for a film are:

- Violence of all kinds

- Sex and nudity

- Obscene language

- Discriminatory language

- Self harm

- Criminal activity

- Dangerous behaviour

- Drugs, alcohol and cigarettes

- Child actors/characters (children may copy their behaviour

- Strobe lighting

Another thing they consider when classifying films is the context of it, so whether it is realistic, fantasy or animated etc. If the films are more unrealistic or animated they are usually allowed more violence in order to get a lower age certificate. This is because children are able to understand it is not real so can separate real life from fantasy.

What a film can/can't include to be awarded certain certificated. 

U RATING

'A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.' - BBFC classification guidelines

There should be no dangerous behaviour which children may copy and no emphasis on weapons

Scary sequences must be mild and brief and should not cause anxiety in the child

No discriminatory behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of

The only drug use allowed is giving a clear anti drug message to children

Infrequent use of mild bad language

Only very mild sexual behaviour such as kissing

Occasional nudity with no sexual context

Mild violence if it is unrealistic

PG RATING

'A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.' BBFC classification guidelines

It can include nudity with no sexual context

Mild bad language only - no aggressive or frequent use of it

Sexual activity may be implied but must be discreet

Scary sequences must not be prolonged or intense

There may be moderate violence without detail.

12/12A RATING

'Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the ratings info for that film in advance. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work' BBFC classification guidelines

Dangerous behaviour shouldn't be promoted

Sexual activity can be shown discreetly and briefly

May be references to sexual violence and sexual threat as long as they are not graphic. Any stronger forms of sexual violence must only be implied and should be presented negatively.

Drug use should not be glamourised

May be nudity, but if it is in a sexual context it must be discreet

Can be some disturbing scenes but the theme overall should not be

15 RATING

'No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work.' - BBFC classification guidelines

Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail that can be copied

There may be racist, homophobic or sexist language but it should not be endorsed

Drug taking may be shown but not endorsed

Very strong language is permitted

No constraints on nudity in a non sexual way, sexual nudity should be only brief

Sexual activity can be presented but without strong details

Can be repeated very strong references to sex

Can be very strong threat and horror

Violence can be strong but not dwell on injury

18 RATING

'Suitable only for adults. No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work.' - BBFC classification guidelines. 

There are not may restrictions other than:

It must not be in breach of the criminal law

Where the material is putting people at risk

When there are more explicit images of sexual activity it may be classes as an R18 instead

Rating for our opening sequence

I think that our sequence would be awarded a 15 as it has quite strong violence and stronger threat and horror, however it is not severely disturbing. 

The violence that would be included in the film is the operations to make the clones, and maybe some fights with them. The BBFC may be concerned that it dwells on injury a lot and may be a bit graphic showing the operation. However I don't think this would be very frequent so for that reason my group and I decided it wold be rated 15.