Research into the BBFC- Miss Miller

The BBFC is the British Board of Film Classification. They decide which age certificate are suitable for each film; taking into consideration the content included, to ensure that the audience know which films are suitable to watch. The purpose of the BBFC is to protect members of the public from potential content that possibly might cause harm and to inform people of their viewing choices. (What might be involved in the film). They respect adult freedom of choice within the law and through research, they respond to social attitudes towards media content.
There are many factors which come into place when the BBFC are deciding which age rating is to be given to every individual film. These factors are extremely important when a film lies on the borderline of two age categories. "Spider-man" the 2002 film, was the first film to be awarded a 12A certificate due to the uncertainty of the BBFC when deciding which age certificate was suitable. The factors included in the film left the BBFC unsure on whether to award it a 12 or a 15 age certificate. Due to the popularity of the film. They did not want to restrict a lot of young people from seeing it by awarding it a 15, therefore they came up with the age certificate "12A" which meant that 12 year olds could see the film but had to be accompanied by an adult. (Someone of the age 18+). This was a success and is now used for many other films, such as the 2012 film The Dark Night Rises.

Some factors that influence the choice made by the bbfc for the age rating awarded to a film include: the context in which the film is set, the theme of the film and the tone and impact that comes across to the audience. Specific classifications involve the viewing of discrimination, drugs, sex, imitable behaviour, nudity or violence and the use of language and threats involved in a film. These factors have a huge influence when the BBFC are awarding a film with an age certificate. They have to ensure that the factors included in the film are suitable for the viewing of particular age groups according to the law.

Age certificate meanings:

U

A "U" rated film stands for Universal, therefore it is suitable for those aged 4 years and over and the infrequent use of language is only allowed to be used. (For example "damn" or "hell"). The films must be anti-drugs with an educational message that can be understood by young children and any dangerous and anti-social behaviour is to be dismissed of.  If included, violence is to be very mild and the characters in a "U" rated film may be seen kissing or cuddling but there will be no focus on sexual behaviour.

Tangled, released in 2010, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is a good example of a U rated film because it is animated with little violence, which makes it non-harmful for children to watch and sends a good message to them. The the film is bases on the German fairy tale Rapunzel, where she is discovered to have healing powers from a
magic flower, therefore the Character Mother Gothel kidnaps her and locks her away in a tower for her whole life as she needs the powers from Rapunzel's hair to keep herself looking young.





PG

A "PG" rated film stands for Parental Guidance, therefore is suitable for general viewing, however some scenes may not be suitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child if they are aged 8+ and parents should consider whether the film could potentially upset a younger or more sensitive child. If a film is rated PG, it should not contain any theme that is innapropriate for a child but it can explore challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement and racism. Mild language may be included but the context and delivery are important and must be considered. Any sex referneces are unlikely, unless they are undfiled and infrequent. Any violence must be mild and there can be passing references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, although there should not be a strong focus on it.

Shrek, released in 2001, is an American computer-animated fantasy-comedy film, produced by PDI/ Dreamworks Pictures and directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson. It is a good example of a PG film because it is an animated film which includes mild violence, which is suitable for children to watch as it is a stereotypical story of the hero fighting the villain therefore the violence is to be expected.





12 and 12A

Films awarded an age rating of 12 contain material that is not suitable for those under the age of 12 and films awarded an age rating of 12A contain material that is not suitable for those aged under 12 unless accompanied by an adult. In a 12 or 12A film, some strong language can be passed, depending on the manner it is used and who is using the language. Discrimination, for example racism or homophobic terms, are unlikely to be passed for a 12 or 12A film and sex can be briefly and discreetly mentioned and there may be nudity, however, it should not be nudity in a sexual content. Moderate violence is allowed in a 12A film but should not be detailed; there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Any action sequences and weapons may be seen in a 12 or 12A and long fighting scenes can be included, however weapons that are easily accessed by 12 year olds (e.g. knives) should not be glamorised. Anti-social behaviour should not be included in a 12 or 12A rated film but dangerous behaviour, e.g: hanging & suicide, can be present, but must not be detailed so that they are not presented in a way which a child could copy. If there is a sight of drugs it should be infrequent and should not be glamorised or provide instructional details.

The films RED and RED 2, directed by Robert Schwentke, have been awarded the age certificate 12 as they include violence and fighting scenes but nothing as such that would offend those of the age of 12. The weapons used are machine guns and cars and helicopters are used for the big stunts; 12 year olds would find it very difficult to get hold of one therefore the violence could not be copied. There is some bad language in the film but none of the such that is extremely offensive, and there is no discrimination included in the film. 

 

Batman the Dark Night Rises, directed by Christopher Nolan, is awarded the age certificate 12A as it involved violence, some bad language and involves a variety of weapons. As for the popularity of the film, the BBFC gave the film the rating of a 12A as younger children under the age of 12, may want to see it but would need to have an adult accompany them as they may find some parts disturbing or scary. 

15

No one under the age of 15 is allowed to view a film at the cinema awarded an age certificate of 15, neither buy or rent from any shop. Strong violence, frequent strong language, 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 and drug taking are all expected to be included in a 15 rated film.  (Taken from the BBFC website http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15 )





Superbad, directed by Greg Mottola is a good example of a film with a 15 age certificate as it includes adult humour, a lot of sexual references, nudity, a lot of bad language and some violence. Those of the age 14 and under would not find this film suitable and they may not even understand it. The subjects involved in the film could potentially be copied by children which would cause harm, therefore it is not suitable for them to watch.





18

Films rated 18 are for adults only, and not suitable for children therefore those under the age of 18 are not permitted to buy, rent or view at the cinema a 18 age rated film, 18 rated films can include the following issues: Very strong violence, frequent strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror themes, strong use of blood and gore, real sex scenes and discriminatory language and behaviour. (Taken from the BBFC website http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18)

Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is an American martial arts film which includes a lot of violence and adult themes. It is rated a 18 due to the language used throughout the film and the blood and gore that is featured. Only those of the age 18 and over should watch the film so the details in it do not cause any harm.





Overall, the BBFC are precise about all of the age certificates that they award to each film and it is in their best concern to consider how a film may effect those of different ages. They take into consideration every aspect of each film to make sure it is suitable for those who will be viewing it. This is extremely important so no one becomes harmed from watching a film.