Deconstruction: BBFC Film Certifications

All films released in the UK are legally required to adhere to an age rating certificate in order to indicate to the audience the suitability of the content for different ages. The system used to classify films is the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), which by definition from the Official BBFC Website is "an independent, private, not-for-profit company which classifies films, video on all physical formats (DVD and Blu-ray Disc for example) and certain video games, advertisements and trailers".

About the BBFC:

The independent, non-profit organisation was founded in 1912, with the aim of cinema censors for age appropriate films. After the video recordings act was introduced in 1984 by parliament, it became legal for newly released films to have 'suitable viewing in the home' ratings, as listed below. 

To classify a film, two examiners will watch the film and age grade the film based on the published guidelines. If they fail to reach an agreement, the judgement is passed up the board to the presidential team. The examiners will look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making their decisions. 

The Classification:

The legally recognised age ratings in the UK are as follows - 

• Uc   - Universal (Suitable for All, including Pre-School Aged     Children)
• U     - Universal (Suitable for All)
• PG  - Parental Guidance Advised
• 12A - Children Under 12 must be accompanied by an Adult (Cinema Purposes)
• 12   - Not Suitable for Children Under the Age of 12
• 15   - Not Suitable for Those Under the Age of 15
• 18   - Not Suitable for Those Under the Age of 18
• R18 - These are films with explicit content suitable for aged 18 and over which can only be shown in licensed cinemas and sold in sex shops.