Film Regulation

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films shown at cinemas. Over the years, what has been deemed as suitable for younger viewers has changed drastically over the years. For example, horror film Revenge of the Zombies was given a X rating (equivalent of an 18) when released but when re-released in the 90's was given a U rating. The BBFC has banned films from being released in the UK but most of these have then been released with an 18 rating. An example of this was Quentin Tarantino film Reservoir Dogs which was banned from 1992-1995.
There are 5 main different age ratings that films can be given. These are;

• U - Universal - These films are suitable for all ages.

Features of U rated films include; limited nudity,infrequent swearing (and if there is, only mild), no references to drugs or drugs misuse.

U rated films are suitable for all ages as there are no scenes in them which people would class as bad influence and would not give bad impressions to young children

Famous U rated films include;

• Bee Movie
• 101 Dalmatians
• Aladdin
• Beauty and the Beast

• PG - Parental Guidance - General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Features of PG rated films include; mild bad language, frightening or threatening sequences should not be prolonged, mild violence, nudity with no sexual context, no focus on anti-social behavior 

PG rated films are suitable for most children as the scenes that are played are not giving children bad influences as most scenes are family friendly and the violence is only in a comical context

Famous PG rated films include;

• Alice in Wonderland (2010)
• Cars
• Bolt
• Edward Scissorhands
• Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

• 12/12A - Suitable for children for children over the age of 12. No child under 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult.

Features of 12/12A rated films include; limited drug misuse, moderate swearing, moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences, moderate violence
12/12A rated films are suitable for children over 12 because the violent scenes are often towards non-human looking characters (aliens, monsters) and the mild language is only brief

Famous 12 rated films include;

• Spiderman
• Mean Girls
• X-Men 3
• Twilight
• The Hunger Games

• 15 - No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in the cinema or be able to rent a copy.

Features of 15 rated films include; strong language, strong violence, dangerous behavior (but nt dwelling on detail), must not endorse discrimination but can include racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes.
15 rated films are suitable for 15 years and up as it includes strong violence/ swearing and/or nudity therefore making it unsuitable for anyone under that age as they are not mature enough

Famous 15 rated films include;

• The Dark Knight
• Saving Private Ryan

• 18 - No one younger than 18 may see a 18 film in the cinema or be able to rent a copy.

Features of 18 rated films include; most features are allowed in an 18 such as; nudity, violence, swearing, etc. The only exceptions include, if it is in breach of criminal law, where it appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their behavior, to society, or if it is too strong it would only be allowed in an R18 film.
18 rated films are only suitable for adults because it has material in that is only suitable for adults, this includes very strong violence, swearing, drug misuse and nudity.