BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification. It is where a film is given an age rating based on the content in the film. Such as an animated film for kids would be a U whereas a film with moderate language, violence or anything sexual would be an 18.
The BBFC class the severity of films and give the film an age rating, between U, for Universal, and 18. These rating determine the age that people need to be in order to watch the film.
The ratings are as follows:-
- U: This stands for Universal, meaning that anyone over the age of four can go and watch the film, films with a U rating should have effective counterbalances against any sort of drug use or any sexual content. They should not include any sort of weaponry or conflict that involves death.
PG: This stands for Parental Guidance, meaning that anyone of any age can watch this film, as long as their parents have considered the potential themes of the film. Themes of the film may include mild bad language, nudity and/or violence (mild if involved, and possibly for comedic effect).
12A: In order to see a 12A film, you need to be over the age of 12 in order to go and see it on your own, however, if you are under the age of 12, you can see it as long as you have a parent or legal guardian with you. Films like this shouldn't include glamorization of drugs or weaponry, or any harmful action to do with drugs or weaponry that children are likely to copy. Nudity may be allowed by it is to be brief and without detail.
15: In order to see a 15 rated film, you must be 15 or over, anyone under this age is not able to view the film. Very strong language is allowed, depending on the frequency. Nudity is permitted in brief and infrequent detail. Imitable behaviour, such as suicide or hanging, can be used, but not to the point where it can be copied, or instruction is shown.
18: 18 films have no strong guidelines on what is to be shown within the film, however, any sexual content which involves anything above the level of arousal, such as images or real sex should be confined to the R18 category.
R18: Films that have a rating of R18 are only allowed to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, and can only be sold in shops that are licensed to do so. R18 films have explicit, sexual and fetish content.
The BBFC class the severity of films and give the film an age rating, between U, for Universal, and 18. These rating determine the age that people need to be in order to watch the film.
The ratings are as follows:-
- U: This stands for Universal, meaning that anyone over the age of four can go and watch the film, films with a U rating should have effective counterbalances against any sort of drug use or any sexual content. They should not include any sort of weaponry or conflict that involves death.
PG: This stands for Parental Guidance, meaning that anyone of any age can watch this film, as long as their parents have considered the potential themes of the film. Themes of the film may include mild bad language, nudity and/or violence (mild if involved, and possibly for comedic effect).
12A: In order to see a 12A film, you need to be over the age of 12 in order to go and see it on your own, however, if you are under the age of 12, you can see it as long as you have a parent or legal guardian with you. Films like this shouldn't include glamorization of drugs or weaponry, or any harmful action to do with drugs or weaponry that children are likely to copy. Nudity may be allowed by it is to be brief and without detail.
15: In order to see a 15 rated film, you must be 15 or over, anyone under this age is not able to view the film. Very strong language is allowed, depending on the frequency. Nudity is permitted in brief and infrequent detail. Imitable behaviour, such as suicide or hanging, can be used, but not to the point where it can be copied, or instruction is shown.
18: 18 films have no strong guidelines on what is to be shown within the film, however, any sexual content which involves anything above the level of arousal, such as images or real sex should be confined to the R18 category.
R18: Films that have a rating of R18 are only allowed to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, and can only be sold in shops that are licensed to do so. R18 films have explicit, sexual and fetish content.