Film Classifications

Film classification is very  important because it controls what certain age groups can see at the cinema and on film. The BBFC watch every single film before it is released so the can rate it a certificate. It protects under aged and vulnerable people from seeing any images or material that might disturb them.

Universal - Suitable for all                                                                                                                                                                              You cant possibly know what will and won't scare children but the U certificate is suitable for anyone aged four years and over. U films should have a positive moral frame work and provide reassuring view on violence, threat or horror.

Good examples of this are Monster House and Monster Inc.


Parental Guidance - General viewing but some scene's may not be suitable for young children.

PG's are suitable for any child without supervision from an adult. any child aged around  or older should be disturbed by any of the content. Parents should consider weather the content might upset the child it they are sensitive.

A example of a PG is Alice In Wonderland
  

Accompanied by an adult (12A) -Suitable for 12 years and over

The same criteria is used for 12 and 12A's. The material in general is suitable for children over 12 and the content may upset children under the age of 12. Also contains material that parents may find unsuitable for them.





The category 12A only exists in the cinema, once a film is released on DVD it will just be listed as a 12. You must be 12 and accompanied by an adult and aren't recommended to children under the age of 12. the adult has to use there own judgement to make sure its okay for there                 child to see. and this is why they must be accompanied by an adult.

 A Good example for 12 or 12A is Harry Potter films or The Dark Night.



Suitable for 15 years and older 


Nobody under the aged 15 is allowed to watch a 15 in the cinema. this includes buying and purchasing the DVD  or rent one from a shop. 15 rated films tend to have much more bad language compared to the lower certificates.

A example of a 15 is I Am Legend

Suitable for anyone aged 18 and over 


Like the 15 nobody under the age of 18 must watch an 18 in the cinema, purchase or rent an 18 from a store. The Human Rights Act means that adults are free to choose there own entertainment. Contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.

Example of this is Wanted

Can only be shown is specially licensed cinemas and shops.

Only people over the age of 18 are allowed to watch these film. The R stands for restricted. R18 contain sex or strong fetish material involving adults.