Film classification

The BBFC classifies the submitted works of films and other media related products in one of the following categories:



The certificate that is given is a guidance on how the main issues (for example, sex and violence) are demonstrated and applied from ‘U’ through to ‘R18’. This is a very important part of the film as it distinguishes the audiences and works out what film is suitable for certain people as you wouldn't show a 'horror' for instance to a young child who watches Disney films. Its common sense but as well it vital for films to have to right certificate otherwise it could jeopardise the reputation of the film itself. Leaving a poor review and less viewers.The British board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental and funded by the fee's it charges people who submit their films and video works for the classification. This is various video works which include; video games, films, programmes released on DVD or blu-ray, or which is distributed by the downloads or streaming on the Internet. The local authorities who license cinemas under the 'licensing Act 2003' are classified on behalf by the BBFC. The video works are released and classified as video recordings under the video recordings act(1984).The importance here is that the BBFC will not classify material which it believes to be in breach of the criminal law. The BBFC takes its responsibilities appropriately particularly in order to protect the children from any harm which may be caused. This is done by; if the film/video work is inappropriate in certain parts the BBFC can cut the film but if it is inappropriate through all of it, it can in fact be rejected. Before allowing a child to view a work, parents are advised to consider carefully the classification. The BBFC regularly updates its guidelines. These Guidelines are the product of consultation, research and the experience of the BBFC over many years. This is who reflects on DVD's, films and video games regulations. The certificate for a film is important to the audiences who watch it, anything classed incorrectly could be prosecuted for allowance of a younger person to watch something inappropriate to the usual films they watch.FILMS WITH THE CERTIFICATES:

Finding Nemo is classified as a 'U' Because it is suitable for all ages, a U film is for any age their is no old restriction and very young children can watch it with their parents knowning nothing obscene and inappropriate like sexual references or swearing would be shown or said. Perfect family friendly film.



Cats and Dogs is classified as a 'PG' this means it is suitable for all ages once it has had parental guidance from the childs parents as some parts in the film could be seen as slightly to suitable for a young audience depending on how the parents feel as everyone is different.

The Dark Knight is classified as a '12' this means the film is only suitable for a child 12 years old and older. With a DVD to have the certificate of 12 means any child younger then this cannot buy or rent a DVD with a classification of '12'.

With 12A, this certificate is only given to films when showing in the cinema for a adult can take a child younger than 12 to the cinema if they accompany them. Once changed to a DVD is classified as a 12.

Pretty woman has been classified as a '15', this means that anyone younger then 15 cannot watch this film in the cinema and cannot buy or rent a 15 if they are younger then the age. This is because it will have more violence and sexuality in it then say a 'PG' or a family 'U' would have.

The Godfather is the highest certificate you can give as it has a much more detailed violence and sexual acts that can only be seen by 18 year olds or older in the cinemas and only an 18 year old or older can buy or rent an cert 18.

The R18 is the same as an 18 in the UK etc it is only classified as a R18 in America