BBFC Film Rating Analysis

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a non-governmental organisation; it is responsible for censorship and classification of films in the UK. The company was established in 1912 by some members of the film industry who decided that they would manage their own censorship rather than giving the government the opportunity to. The BBFC began running on January 13^th 1913. It was based on the cinematography act of 1909, this act required cinemas to have a licence to show films from the local authorities.                                                                                                                                       During the Second World War the BBFC were given full power to completely censor films. This is because during the war the cinema had become extremely popular and it was feared by the Government that cinema would become a way of propaganda as this happened in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

Hollywood films weren't treated as strictly because the BBFC assumed that their audience would recognise American films as representing a different, foreign culture. From the 1950's onward the BBFC focused mostly on depictions of sex and violence than political expression.

These are the current film certificates:

 

UNIVERSAL - This means that the film is suitable for all age groups to watch.

The use of mild language may be used within a film rated 'U' such as 'damn' and 'hell', however, there is no overt focus on sexual behaviour, however the film may show characters cuddling and kissing, this may be seen as sexual references. U films tend to present positive messages as they are open to younger audiences.

 

PARENTAL GUIDANCE - The film is suitable for general viewing, however, some scenes may be unsuitable for younger audience members. There may be mild bad language such as 'shit' or 'son of a bitch'. Occasionally, some films may be certificated 'PG' but the film has not be created with a young audience in mid. Violence and sexual behaviour are either not there or are very mild.

12A - Films calssififed 12A are usually not suitable for audience members below the age of 12. A child under the age of 12 would not be able to see the film unless they are accompanied by an adult (IN THE CINEMA).

The BBFC state that strong language such as, 'f***' may be used in these 12A films depending on the context. Sex may be discretely portrayed within this certification and verbal sex references should not exceed what is suitable for young teenagers.

 

12 - This rating is the same as the 12A, however the rules apply for films outside of the cinema. This is because accompanied viewing cannot be enforced inside peoples homes.

 

15 - Only viewers who are 15 and over can view the film, viewers who are younger than 15 are not allowed to view the film as it is not suitable for them. At this certificated rating no themes are prohibited provided that the treatment is suitable for 15 year olds.

15 certificated films can include things such as, strong violence, drug taking, strong verbal references to sex and strong violence,

 18 - This means that the film is not suitable for viewers under the age of 18, they are not allowed to view of purchase the film. Some issues involved in a film given the certificate 18 is: strong horror, extensive amounts of blood and gore, very strong violence, and strong portrayals of sexual activity.Themes at this rating are not prohibited as the target audience are adults and they have the ability to chose their own source of entertainment, as long as the content is not harmful or illegal. There is no limit on the use of strong language, violence or nudity. Drug taking within the film may be shown however, drug taking and misuse must not be promoted.

 RESTRICTED 18 - This is a legally restricted category, it is used for explicit sex works or strong fetish material involving adults. Only films with a special licence with this content may be shown in films. Video works may only be supplied to adults in sex shops if they have a licence. They cannot be supplied by mail order.

Our trailer will be certificated at a 15. This is because our trailer will contain some strong violence, which viewers younger would not be able to view, however on the BBFC certificate it certifies that strong violence is suitable for them.
Another reason as to why we have chosen this rating is because the other three ratings below the 15 are unsuitable, our film does not need parental guidance because they are old enough. Furthermore, the 'U' is meant for all audiences which we don't agree with as its a widespread audience who view this and children that are the age of 5, it would not be suitable for them.