Film age ratings

Age Ratings

There are five different age ratings for all films, U, PG, 12, 15 and 18.

U (Universal)

This means the film should be suitable for all audiences ages 4 and over. The category of U only allows very mild language such as damn and hell. Occasionally language such as "bloody" or "bugger" maybe used if justified by the content. There may be brief fight scenes between characters. Moments of emotional stress or threat must be quickly resolved and the outcome reassuring. There may be some brief scary scenes and moments where characters are in danger. Violence will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon. Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour will not be present. A ‘U’ film can explore most themes, as long as it is appropriate to a young audience. A children’s work at ‘U’ will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children. It will have a happy ending for the child.‘U’ films are unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behaviour unless it is clearly disapproved of.

PG (Parental Guidance)

This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Some films, are given a ‘PG’ certificate but have not been made with a young audience in mind. However, the certificate means that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this age group and nothing should upset a child of eight or over. No particular theme is prohibited at ‘PG’, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. ‘PG’ works may explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism. In a ‘PG’ work, illegal or antisocial behaviour, such as bullying, will not be condoned or seen to go unchallenged. There may be mild bad language such as ‘shit’ in a ‘PG’ film, but the context and delivery is always important. If the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category. There should be no detail of violence in a ‘PG’ work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides. For horror, we allow some 'jump' moments and scary scenes, but sequences showing realistic violence, horror or threat must not be prolonged. Potentially dangerous behaviour which children might copy is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘PG’, especially if it comes across as safe or fun. Realistic or easily accessible weapons, such as knives, will not be glamorised or focused upon in a ‘PG’ work.

12 (suitable for 12 and over)

The overall tone of a film and the way it makes the audience feel may affect the classification. For example, a work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed as a 12 even if the individual issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines. Similarly, if a work is particularly positive or reassuring this may stop it being pushed up a category. There may be strong language at a ‘12’ but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category. There also may be moderate language at a ‘12’. Discriminatory language may be present. Aggressive use of discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘12’ unless it is clearly condemned.At a 12 moderate violence is permitted but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated. It must also have a strong contextual justification. Some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at a ‘12’ as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.

15 (suitable for 15 and over)

A "15" movie can contain strong violence, frequent strong language, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking. Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms although continued aggressive use will not normally be passed at ‘15’. At a ’15’ there can be strong threat and menace as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised, although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

18 (suitable for 18 and over)

At ‘18’ works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as, very strong violence, frequent (very) strong language, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore and discriminatory language and behaviour.

Taking all these ratings into account we have decided to make our film a 15. There will be moments of prolonged horror and it may contain some strong violence and threat. There will not be enough gore or violence to make the film an 18.