BBFC and Understanding Film Ratings

Emma Marshall

The BBFCWhat is the BBFC?Well, BBFC is short for the ‘British Board of Film Classification’.They are a non-governmental organisation who were founded by the film industry back in 1912. They are responsible for the national classification and censorship of films in the UK.

There are age classification divisions depending on the amount of violence, sex, swearing and gore in the movie. The different divisions are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18.

Age classification Main issues concerning content of film

UniversalIncludes very mild bad language (‘damn’, ‘hell’) kiss and

cuddles, brief fight scenes but with no emphasis on weapons. Has no sexual behaviour, sexual language or innuendo.

Parental Guidance Includes mild bad language (‘shit’) reference to sex. Doesn’t have any detail or emphasis on violence.

12 and 12A (accompanied/advisory)

‘Fuck’ can be included but its use should be infrequent. May have brief sex scenes and nudity. Had moderate violence but

no emphasis on injuries/ blood and strong contextual justification. Might contain moderate physical and

psychological threat including horror.

15Frequently has strong language, portrayals of sexual activity,

sexual nudity, drugs, discriminatory language and behaviours, strong threat and menace.

18Has very strong violence and language, scenes of sexual

violence and activity, strong horror, blood and gore, drugs. It’s basically the adult movies.

R18 Pornography, sex or strong fetish material.

Examples

Age classification Example

‘Monsters Inc’

‘Monster House’

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’

‘Paranormal Activity’

‘Scream’