Age/BBFC ratings

By Abdul

Universal (u)

What does this sign (U) mean? The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is without a solution to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be supportive.There may be brief scary scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.Potentially dangerous or imitable behaviour, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.

What does PG mean?PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides..

Parental Guidance(PG)

12 or over (12A)12 or over (12)

What does this sign (U) mean? At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A.

What's the difference between 12 and 12A?The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.

What does the 15 symbol mean? No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD.  15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

15 and over films contain:• strong violence• frequent strong language (eg 'f***').• portrayals of sexual activity• strong verbal references to sex• sexual nudity• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal

references to sexual violence• discriminatory language or behaviour• drug taking

Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 15?

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

15 or over (15)

What does the 18 symbol mean?Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

18 and over films contain:• very strong violence• frequent strong language (eg 'f***') and/or very

strong language (eg ‘c***’)• strong portrayals of sexual activity• scenes of sexual violence• strong horror• strong blood and gore• real sex (in some circumstances)• discriminatory language and behavior

Are there any limits on what sort of theme a work can have at 18?No theme is prohibited at 18. Adults are free to pick their own entertainment within the law, so it is possible some themes tackled at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.

18 or over (18)