film classification research

Film classification in the UK is controlled by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). They view the films and rate them based on material and their own guidelines.

U stands

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  A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.
  There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger.
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A U RATING:
  PG
  
  
  PG stands for 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. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.
  There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the context and delivery are always important. For example, if the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category.
  References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.
  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 in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides. It isn’t uncommon for PG films to feature ‘roller-coaster’ action or set pieces, where the emphasis is clearly on the adventure or journey of the main characters rather than the detail of violence or fighting.
  As far as horror goes, some 'jump' moments and scary scenes are permitted, but sequences showing significant or realistic violence, horror or threat must not be prolonged.
  There is also no behavior that could be dangerous for children to copy. There are references to drugs, but no actual drug use.
  
  
  
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A PG RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  12-12A
  The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.
  12A is used in the cinema. It means that children under 12 may only see the film if they are under the supervision of an adult.
  A work which has a very dark or unsettling tone which could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A 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 from 12A to 15.
  There may be mild language like bitch or sh*t. Strong language like f**k may be used as long as it is infrequent.
  Implied sex and sexual references and innuendo is allowed, as long as it is mild.
  Moderate violence is permitted, as are fight scenes, but blood should only be used in context (like in a Medical drama).
  Dangerous behavior like self-harming is allowed if it's mild, as is drug use.
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A 12/12A RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  15
  Not suitable for children under the age of 15.
  Could include any of the following.
  
  
  • strong violence (although very strong gore, sadistic violence, torture & very graphic sexual violence are not permitted).
  • frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and infrequent very strong language (the C word)
  • portrayals of sexual activity (as long as it is not graphic)
  • strong verbal references to sex
  • sexual nudity
  • brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
  • discriminatory language or behaviour (though it must be mild or infrequent
  • drug use
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH A 15 RATING: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  18
  Not suitable for people under the age of 18.
  Could contain any of the following:
  • very strong violence (including torture)
  • frequent strong language ('f***') and/or very strong language (The C word)
  • strong portrayals of sexual activity
  • scenes of sexual violence
  • strong horror
  • strong blood and gore
  • real sex (in some circumstances)
  • discriminatory language and behaviour

  
  
  
  AN EXAMPLE OF A COMIC BOOK FILM WITH AN 18 RATING:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  All information from the BBFC website: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/