Download BBFC Research U What does U stand for/mean? `U` stands for

BBFC Research U What does U stand for/mean? ‘U’ stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and over. However, rating a U film can be the most difficult, as it is impossible for film­makers and producers to predict what may or may not upset a child. People have often questioned about films for children under four years of age. The BBFCinsight have stated that these films are particularly suitable for preschool children. What is included? At a U rating, only a very infrequent use of mild bad language is permitted (e.g ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). There is no graphic or strong sexual behaviour included in U films, however characters can be seen kissing or cuddling, including some possible, appropriate references to sexual behaviour. No intense violence or violent behaviour is presented. Any violence included is very mild, for example, small fight scenes or scenes where a character is briefly placed in danger. There are usually no references to drug use whatsoever. What type of films? Films passed as a U are usually themed on heroic tales, loyalty, honesty and friendship. They also almost always have a happy ending. PG PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. What is included? PG films are still always based on themes that are appropriate for the age rating. Themes such as bullying, bereavement and racism can be explored. Bad language can be used, but still only mildly, words such as ‘shit’ and ‘son of a bitch’ are usually the strongest use of bad language. Some mild sex references COULD be used, however if so, these are usually used in comedy areas, meaning they are usually overlooked. Violence is used, meaning there could be a visual of blood or injury, although this presentation of violence would not be graphic and we could not see this in strong detail. There are some areas in which could affect a child's behaviour, and for this, film­makers and producers do not glamorise these things, such as the act of bullying, smoking, drug intake or drinking. Some illegal drugs and misuse of drugs may be references but again, not glamorised or referred to, to any significant extent. 12A and 12 What does this stand for/mean? 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. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. What is the difference? The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12. What is included? Sexual content may be discreetly and briefly presented. However, any talk of sexual nature, should not be to any extent past what is suitable for young teenagers. Nudity may also be included, however only discreetly and brief. Moderate violence is allowed in this age rating, however it is not presented in intense detail. No emphasis or glorification on injuries or blood/gore. Weapons may also be presented, however, not to be used in a positive manner. Sexual violence scenes such as rape or assault may be discussed or implied, again only briefly and to no explicit extent. 15 What does this stand for/mean? No­one 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. What is included? Any of the following: ●
strong violence ●
frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***'). ●
portrayals of sexual activity ●
strong verbal references to sex ●
sexual nudity ●
brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence ●
discriminatory language or behaviour ●
drug taking Strong language is permitted more in a 15 age rating. Terms such as f*** and c*** can be used, dependant on the way/manner they are used and in what situation. Rasict, homophobic or discriminatory language and terms may be used, however a 15 age rated film should not be based on these subjects as a whole. Sexual activity and sexual scenes may be shown in this category, although still with no strong detail. Some of these scenes can be quite long, meaning it is no longer just snippets of such scenes. Nudity is allowed, and strong sexual references are permitted and classes as acceptable dependant on the film and the context. Violence is permitted, and it can also be strong, however it still should not glamorise any injury or pain to strong extents. Sexual violence is allowed, however this is not to be portrayed in strong detail, it must be extremely minimal and discreet. Drug use is acceptable, although it should not promote or encourage the misuse of drugs. A 15 film can be a horror. 18 What does it stand for/mean? Films rated 18 are for adults. No­one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children What is included? ●
very strong violence ●
frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’) ●
strong portrayals of sexual activity ●
scenes of sexual violence ●
strong horror ●
strong blood and gore ●
real sex (in some circumstances) ●
discriminatory language and behaviour There is no limit to bad language in a 18 rated film, this is usually strong, aggressive, direct, frequent and usually accompanied by strong violence. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language. Strong sexual activity, sex references and sexual scenes can be portrayed. This includes full nudity. Real sex may be portrayed, as long as the film is not a ‘sex work’ film, aka porn. Material that is only ‘stimulating’ can be passed at an 18. At 18 violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail. Focus on pain infliction and injuries may also be shown. Sexual violence is also permitted. Horror is most definitely permitted, this can contain strong horror, gore and threats. At 18 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. To conclude, there are very little restrictions on an 18 rated film. R18 The R18 category is a special and legally­restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18 videos may not be supplied by mail order. r