18 > R18

‘18’ and ‘R18’ are very similar except that ‘R18’ may have:

• Unjustified sexual context
• Explicit images of sexual activity

15 > 18

‘15’ and ‘18’ are very similar except that ‘18’ may have anything acceptable in a movie unless it serves to stimulate.

12a > 15

‘12a’ and ‘15’ are very similar except that ‘15’ may have:

• Drug taking but not generally encouraged in the film
• Strong threat and menace
• Frequent use of strong language and the strongest terms, e.g. ‘cunt’ if justified
• Any nudity if educational or non-sexual
• Nudity in a sexual context without strong detail
• Detailed sexual activity
• Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour
• Any theme suitable for the age group
• Detailed references to sexual violence
• Portrayal of sexual violence if justified

PG > 12a

‘PG’ and ‘12a’ are very similar except that ‘12a’ may have:

• Aggressive discrimination if clearly condemned
• Misuse of drugs, but infrequent, criticised and not shown in detail
• Moderate physical and psychological threat
• Dangerous behaviour (but not dwelled upon or shown to be harm free)
• Moderate language and infrequent use of strong language e.g. ‘fuck’
• Brief nudity in a sexual context
• Discreet portrayal of sexual activity
• More mature themes
• Gory moments if justified by context
• Implied sexual violence if justified

U > PG

‘U’ and ‘PG’ are very similar except that ‘PG’ may have:

• More serious themes
• Discreet mentions of sex and relationships
• Stronger violence and threat
• Scary but not prolonged horror
• Discrimination, if given context

R18

Very little is not permitted for ‘R18’ films although they must be distributed in specialist locations.

‘R18’s must still not breach the BBFC’s guidelines obviously.

18

Little is cut from ‘18’ films as adults can watch what they want, however the following is not allowed:

• Promotion or encouragement of drug taking
• Material produced in breach of the law
• Detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which may cause harm
• Unjustified explicit unjustified sexual activity

15

• The strongest language may be used (such as ‘cunt’) although continued use it not.
• Strong threat and menace is allowed without the strongest gory images.
• Drug taking may be shown as long as the film does not promote their misuse.
• Misuse of easily accessible substances such as solvents is typically unacceptable.
• The following may also be included: strong violence, sexual activity, strong sex references, sexual nudity, brief sexual violence, discriminatory behaviour.

12a

• Strong language (such as ‘fuck) is allowed if infrequent and given context.
• Moderate language (such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’) is allowed.
• Discrimination is allowed if not endorsed by the film.
• Sex may be discreetly portrayed.
• Nudity is allowed but must be brief in a sexual context.
• Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail.
• Gory moments are permitted if justified.
• Sexual violence must be implied and heavily justified by context.
• Moderate threat is permitted if disturbing sequences are not sustained.
• Dangerous imitable behaviour may be present without detail.
• Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

PG

• A ‘PG’ film is suitable for general viewing.
• No theme is prohibited as long as it is treated appropriately.
• Mild bad language is permitted such as ‘shit’ and ‘son of a bitch’ with context.
• Sex is acceptable if implied and lacking detail.
• Bloody violence is permitted if the cause of injuries is not shown.
• ‘Jump’ moments are allowed but realism and sustained threat is not.
• Realistic weapons will be glamorised.
• There must be no strong focus on drug references

U

• A ‘U’ film is suitable for anybody four years and over.
• Very mild bad language is allowed such as ‘damn’ and ‘hell’.
• Characters may kiss or cuddle or make references to covert references to sex.
• Brief moments of characters in danger are permitted if they are quickly resolved.
• Weapons may be permitted if there is no emphasis on it.
• Easily imitable behaviour presented as fun will not be present.
• A children’s work at ‘U’ should contain a positive message.
• Discrimination is unlikely to be present unless clearly disapproved of.
• Drugs references are allowed if brief and given education context.