BBFC Guidelines

Themes There are themes used in films which are used by the BBFC

to judge the age rating of the film. These themes are: discrimination; drugs; imitable behaviour;

language; nudity; sex; threat and violence. Based on how little or how much of the theme is shown in

the film, it will impact the age rating.

U - Universal A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years

and over, although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. – BBFC

The themes are minimal and have no sense of threat, violence, descrimination or drugs.

PG – Parental Guidance A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or

older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. – BBFC

There are references to the themes yet contain no content that is considered harmful or upsetting to younger children and their parents.

12/12A Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain

material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work. – BBFC

Themes are used more, yet are not glamourized or is brief and discreet. There is more moderate violence, language and threat yet it is not used heavy handed or frequently. Sex and nudity are also used more.

15 No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No

one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work. – BBFC

Discrimination is used more freely, touching topics such as racism and homophobia. Strong language can be used as well as more violence, threat and drugs yet still cannot be imitable behaviour or glamourized. Sexual activity can be performed and there are no constraints on nudity.

18 No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a

cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work. Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment.- BBFC

There are no restrictions in any of the themes used as adult have the choice to choose what they can watch. Horror films epecially contain more gore, explicit scenes and bad language considered offensive to anyone under the age of 18.

R18 To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied

only in licensed sex shops, and to adults only The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18 video works may not be supplied by mail order.

Sex and nudity are the most common themes in these films. There are restrictions such as pain and physical harm as well as penetration from violent objects.

However, other themes can be explored even if not typical of a R18 film