BBFC Classification (12A - 18R)

12/ 12A

12 and 12A are exactly the same criteria. These classifications are classified when a film is suitable for somebody of the age of 12. They have done this because some of the content may not be suitable for somebody younger than 12 and could scare them or be inappropriate.

12A is only for films being shown in the cinema and you will not be able to find 12A DVD’s etc. 12A states that nobody under the age of 12 can see a 12A film in the cinema unless accompanied by an adult.(somebody 18 or over). They have introduced this as a parent may feel that the content is suitable to show their child. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Listed below is the content of what the BBFC go by to classify their films.

15 Classified films 

      Films classed as 15, should only be viewed by people 15 years of age or older. This is classified as a 15 as the BBFC feel that the content in the film is not suitable for somebody below the age of 15 to be watching. You may not buy, rent, or buy a DVD with a 15 classification unless you are 15 years or older.

18 Classified film

An 18 classified film is the highest classification you can see in the cinema or buy in your regular DVD shop. It is classified at 10 because it has cintent that is only suitable for adults. This content includes things like nudity, sex, criminal offences etc. You will not be able to buy an 18 classified DVD unless you are obviously 18.

·      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.

R18 classified films

R18 stands for ‘Restricted 18’. These films are films that are mostly strong explicit films (porn).

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. The following content is not acceptable:

·      any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959

·      material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

·      the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent

·      the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity

·      penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

·      any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.