Certificate research

BBFC - THE BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION

• set up in 1912 by the film industry
• built to structure the certificate ratings of films
• films for theatrical release are seen by two examiners using the published guidlines to make a decision
• Dvd's are normally seen by one examiner when viewing the dvd version of a film that was released in cinema
• Examiners look into whether the film contains; discrimination, sex, drug use, violence, sexual violence, horror, nudity, language etc. They consider the context and message of the film, the impact it might have on audience members who view the film.  U certificate is suitable for all ages.
• A film rated U should be suitable for ages four and up as it is unpredictable to know what might upset a young audience. They should include a moral situation and a happy ending, with characters that make the audience laugh.

PG certificate is suitable for most audience members however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.  A PG film should be suitable for a child age 8 and over without an adult present however parents are advised to give consent to let their child watch the film without parental guidance. Mild scary elements are traditionally included to unsettle the children's nerves as they enjoy the excitement of scary sequences, those who don't are not effected badly from the experience. Classification elements such as the lenght and frequency of scary contents as they don't want it to be too overwhelming for a young audience.

The same criteria is used to classify the rating of a 12 or 12A, the difference is whether the film has scenes that may upset or disturb children under the age of 12 such as language an violence. However the 12 catergory is only used when a child wants to rent the movie, as no one under 12 may buy or rent a movie that is rated 12.

12A - The 12A catergory only exists for cinema as nobody under 12 is allowed to watch the film unless they are accompanied by an adult, although these films are not recommened for anyone under 12 due to the content such as violence and possible swearing. Classification details include elements like crime, violence if weapons such as knives are easily accessible, anti-social behaviour if anyone is being bullied for their race or age etc. If a film contains dangerous aspects which young children are likely to copy for example hanging or self harm the film may be restricted to cutting that out if the film is not considered to be a higher rating like a 15. This means that children aged 12 or possibly younger will watch the cut version of the film, however when the film is released on dvd the uncut and cut version will be available to buy.


           

 

15 -  Suitable for people aged 15 years and over.  No one under the age of 15 should watch the film in cinema, rent or buy the film when it is released. For a certificate rating 15 you do not get accompanied by an adult if you are under the age. Classification for a 15 depends on whether there is sexual content such as nudity, the language use is it frequent and how much violence occurs are there gory deaths or mild scenes where someone gets shot. Horror films are usually rated 15 or 18 as they contain more violent behaviour, scary scenes and possible gore from the deaths, they can be psychological making it unsuiatble for a younger audience as it may give them nightmares.

 

18 - No one under the age of 18 can view the film, rent or buy it once released. Older audiences for 18's are horror fans or people who love violent wars and chases. People aged 18 and older love to be frightened and scared. The rating certificate is used to protect younger children from seeing things that may cause them distress or make them feel upset and vulnerable.

 

 

 

R18 -  Films that are rated R18 can only be shown in specific cinema's that are licensed for the content that will be shown. They can only be supplied in licensed sex shops and to nobody under the age of 18. This rating is a special and legally restricted classification. This rating is mainly used to show adult sex or fetish material between adults. Natural nudity with no sexual content can be shown at lower rating levels however this is because it is of low key, not frequent and is barely shown. R18 versions show a lot more nudity at a frequent and strong level with the sexual content visible this is why films with this content are of this rating.

 

Film title	Film rating and a synopsis
HUGO	U –An orphan goes on a mystery involving his late father and a robot.
The Incredible’s	PG – A family who have powers such as ability to run fast and disappear.
Sherlock Holmes	12 - quest to solve a string of mysterious and brutal murders, Sherlock Holmes and his trusted ally Watson plunge into a world of dark arts
Safe	15 - A suicidal New Jersey cage fighter protects a young Chinese math prodigy from Triads, Russian gangsters, and corrupt cops in this action thriller.
The cabin in the woods	15 - A twisted and unusual take on the familiar ‘cabin in the woods’
The Shining	18 – A family heads to an isolated for the winter where an evil spirit influences the father into violent behaviour, psychic son starts to see forebodings from the past.
Disclosure	R18 - A computer specialist is sued for sexual harassment by a former lover turned boss who initiated the act forcefully, which threatens both his career and his personal life.