BBFC Film Classification

The BBFC is an independent company who classified silms on behalf of the local authorities who licence cinemas.  They classify the films into these categories:

'12A/12'

 12 and 12a classifications use the exact same criteria. These are given where the material is generally suitable for those aged 12 and over. The 12A category is used only for cinema films and the 12 is for video works. A 12A is where no one younger than 12 can see the film without an adult. Discriminiatory language or behaviour must be endorsed by the work as a whole, if it is agressive it is most likely to be unacceptable. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and not glamorised or give instructional detail. Moderate physical and psychologiacl threat may be permitted, provided the disturbing sequences are not frequent. Dangerouse behaviour should not dwell on datil which can be copied or appear pain or harm free. Moderate language can be used, the use of strong language must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed, but in sexual content must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity must b briefly and discreetly portrayed. References should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Mature themes are acceptable but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. occasional gory moments may be permitted if it fits in with the conext. Sexual violence may only be implied or bridfly and discreetly indicated and must have a strong contextual justification.

'15'

No one younger than 15 can see a 15 film in a cinema. The work must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drugs may be shown and drug taking may be involved but the film must not promote or encourage drug use. The misuse of highly dangerous drugs that are easily accessible is likely to be unaccepted. Strong threat and menace are allowed, unless they include sadstic or sexualised.Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which may be copied. `they may be frequent use of strong lanuage, but the strongest terms may only be accepted if justified by the content. Nudity is allowed in a sexual content as long as it is not in strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sex. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are likely to be unacceptable. 

'18'

No one younger than eighteen may see an 18 film in the cinema or buy or rent an 18 rated video. 

According to the BBFC website these are the guidlines for an 18 rated film:

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.