BBFC

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), originally British Board of Film Censors, is the organization responsible for film, DVD and some video game classification within the United Kingdom.

Universal Children
Suitable for all, but especially made for children under 7 years of age.

Universal
All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.

Parental Guidance
All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 13

12 Accompanied
Suitable for those aged 12 and over. Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (replaced the standard 12 certificate for cinema releases only in 2002)

12
Suitable for those aged 12 and over.
No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD or game

15
Suitable for those aged 15 and over.
Nobody younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD or game.

18
Suitable for those aged 18 and over.
Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD or game.

Restricted 18
Suitable for those aged 18 and over. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over.


Guidelines to concerns when classifying films are –

Theme – the acceptability depends on the context and sensitivity of presentation. The most problematic themes are drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia and racial hatred.

Language – The concern about particular words or expressions depend upon the context within it is used.

Nudity – Natural nudity providing there is no sexual context is acceptable at all classification level except U.

Sex – The portrayal of human sexual activity can range from kissing to references of making love. The classification system depends in which progressively stronger portrayal is allowed as the categories rise.

Violence – Works that glorify, glamorise or sexualise violence will receive a more restrictive classification and may be cut.

Drugs – Any detailed portrayal of drugs use likely to promote or glamorise the activity may be cut.


When rejecting films they look at -
Graphic rape or torture
Sadistic violence or terrorisation
Illegal or glamorised drug use
Material likely to incite racial hatred or violence
Portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive content
Sex accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury or humiliation
Material likely to be found obscene by the courts.


Thriller Films -

MY BLOODY VALENTINE
Classified 22 December, 2008 . (18)
Contains strong gory violence, horror and sex

THE UNBORN
Classified 22 December, 2008 . (15)
Contains strong horror

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Classified 19 November, 2008 . (12A)
Contains moderate threat and injury

STUCK
Classified 07 November, 2008 . (15)
Contains strong language, gore, sex and drug use