Films are classified according to the Guidelines created by the British Board of Film Classification company (BBFC). These guidelines are drawn up according to research, the experience of the company, and the regular opinions of the public. UK Laws also have to be considered when making decisions about classification.
The Guidelines are updated every four years. The most recent was completed in June 2009.
What aspects as films classified on?
- Discrimination
- Drugs
- Horror
- Language
- Imitable behaviour
- Nudity
- Theme
- Sex
- Violence
What are all the possible film classifications?
Suitable for all, from age four and over.
Should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat, or horror.
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Unaccompanied children of any age can watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
This category only exists for video works, so no child under the age of 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work. Material is suitable for 12 years and older, content may upset children under 12.
No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult. This classification is only used in the cinema.
Suitable for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 rated film, or buy or rent a 15 rated video work.
Only suitable for adults. No one younger than 18 may buy an 18 rated film, or buy or rent an 18 rated video.
Only shown in specially-licensed cinemas, or supplied in licensed sex shops and to adults of 18 or over. Video works of this category may not be supplied by mail order.
What are the conditions of a classification?
- Assurances
- Cuts
- Warning captions
*In some circumstances, a work may be rejected*
Cutting
There could be simple or minor changes made in order for a film to be accepted in the category that it was intended for. The BBFC do not usually offer this option if the changes to be made are difficult or if there are a lot of changes to be made. Below are a list of compulsory cuts listed on the BBFC website:
- material which may promote illegal activity
- material which is obscene or otherwise illegal
- material created by means of the commission of a criminal offence
- portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive context
- sexual violence or sexualised violence which endorses or eroticises the behaviour
- sadistic violence or torture which invites the viewer to identify with the perpetrator in a way which raises a risk of harm
- graphic images of real injury, violence or death presented in a salacious or sensationalist manner which risks harm by encouraging callous or sadistic attitudes
- sex works which contain material listed as unacceptable at ‘R18’.
Examples of films that have been cut or banned
The Human Centipede II
This films had 2 minutes and 37 seconds removed, and following 32 cuts made across 8 separate sequences, the film was rated an 18. The BBFC originally refused to classify the film because of sexual violence, graphic gore, and the breach of the law relating to obscenity.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This film was banned in 1975. The film was banned for its perception of terrorised women and threat to defenceless women as opposed to its portrayal of violence. However, the film was still shown locally despite the BBFC ban, which led to the company lifting the ban in 1999 and rated it an 18 with no cuts.
A list of the BBFC websites available to the public:
www.bbfc.co.uk - Main BBFC website
www.pbbfc.co.uk - Parents BBFC website (Gives specific information for parents concerning classifications.
www.sbbfc.co.uk - For teacher and students from GCSE up to Postgraduate level. Information on classifications, case studies, study guides and articles)
www.cbbfc.co.uk - For children. Offers games, puzzles, film information, and a chance to classify trailers.
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