Film Classification research.

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) has been classifying cinema films since 1912 and videos since 1984.
They use certain criteria to set an age rating for films.

The first classification is a U rating. A film with the Universal age rating is suitable for all ages. Although knowing what might upset a child is near impossible, the BBFC decide that a U rating should be suitable for a great majority of the viewing puplic.
An example of a U rated film is the ever popular 'Alvin and the Chipmunks. This film created in 2007 by 20th Century Fox is an excellent example of a suitable film.





The next classification is a PG rating. A film with the Parental Guidance rating should be suitable for geberal viewing though some scenes may seem disturbing for a small child. The BBFC believe that scenes shouldnt affect children 8 years old or over and it is up to parents to decide whether their children may be affected by it.
Anyone can buy/rent or view a PG film in the cinema.
The first three Harry Potter films were rated PG and this shows where the parental guidance may be necessary for some children as some scenes may be considered frightening or disturbing to younger viewers.





Both a 12 and a 12A rating have the exact same criteria but the 12 rating was only created for video works. no one under the age of 12 can see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult and it is up to parents whether to let their children see it. No child under the age of 12 can buy or rent a 12 DVD.
A 12 rating is the most common amongst film classifications and has been given to films such as the Pirates of the Carribbean and X-men Trilogies as well as The Dark knight and twilight.




This is the first rating where parental decisions to let their children see the film isnt applicable in cinemas anymore and it's down to the workers at the cinema to judge on age and certain cinemas will check forms of identification though this is unlikely in most places. No one under the age of 15 can buy/rent or view a 15 rated film because of language and distubing scenes or themes.
This is another of the common ratings and is generally seen on teenage films where the themes get more mature for example;
knocked up, Juno, Zombieland and Jumper.






This is generally the highest rating in the film industry and is given to the most gory, disturbing or adult rated films. Only adults over the age of 18 can buy/rent or view this rated film and I.D will be asked for in shops and rental stores. Also alot of cinemas will ask for I.D though not all.
This rating is found on films such as Sweeney Todd, Paranormal Activity and Dawn of the dead.






There is a higher rating called R18 which are films containing sexual content that is only shown in liscensed cinemas and are only distributed to liscensed Adult shops and adult film rental stores.