BBFC classifications

The British board of film classification which is an independent- non governing body which was set up in 1912. They specialise in classifying films in cinema, on video and DVDs. The company has been regulating video’s since the video recordings act was passed in 1984. Local councils can overrule any specific rating from the BBFC as they are also responsible for the film.

What is the BBFC?

All classifications are based around the BBFC’s guidelines which are published and regularly updated. These guidelines are the product of public consultations, research and experience off the BBFC over the years. These reflect current issues in Film, video game and DVD regulations.

Films which are released in cinemas are classified by two examiners, but mainly are classified by a senior examiner, if these examiners can not agree with a certain age rating for a film some members from the BBFC board will be involved or even higher personnel.

Examiners often look at issues such as drugs, discrimination, sex, violence, horror and language, but the examiners also consider the Context and tone of a film and the impact of a film. They even look at the release format.

What is classification?

The current age ratings that are used to classify a film

There are 7 different age ratings used and regulated by the BFFC today:

U- Universal which is appropriate for viewers from the age of 4 and over. These types of film only include mild language (i.e. Damn) and include no sexual interactions. Violence is very mild and this may involve characters in a dangerous situation but is quickly resolved, the film may also include a brief fight scene which is not to violent.

PG- This stands for Parental Guidance. These films may contain scenes which may be unsuitable for young children. These types of films can explore issues such as bullying. Some language is used for example “ son of a b**ch”. Violence will usually be mild. so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical, comedic or fantasy setting.

12 and 12A- 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. The BBFC's Guidelines state that strong language (e.g. 'f***') may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language.

15- No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language.

18- Films that are rated 18 are only for adults over this age. These works are not for children. 18 films generally contain very Strong violence/gore, sexual scenes, Very strong language and other issues.

The different age ratings

A VIEW TO A KILL - 1986 (James Bond)- This film is rated at a PG (Parental guidance). The BBFCinsight for this movie is that it contains mild action violence, threat, language and sexual reference's.

TOWER HEIST (2012)- This film is classified as a 12 as the film contains infrequent language and moderate sex references. The genre for this film is a comedy/drama thriller.

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1995)- This film is classified as a 18 as this contains very strong violence and strong language. The genre is a horror thriller.

JOHN WICK (2014)- This film has been rated as a 15 as this film contains strong language and bloody violence. The genre is an action thriller.

Examples of age ratings for thrillers