Classification

The BBFC or British Board of Film Classification is a Non-governmental organisation which is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films in the UK, the rating system used by the BBFC has five rating levels or which is commonly know as age ratings:

• U - Suitable for all
• PG - Parental Guidance
• 12a - Suitable for 12 and over
• 15 - Suitable for 15 and over
• 18 - Suitable for only adults

Films rated U are mainly suitable for children aged four and older, these films are usually targeted at children, these films do not include any use of drugs, discrimination, rude language, nudity/sex or violence.

The film can only use very mild bad language such as hell or damn and can only be used a few times throughout the film.

The violence in the film will also be very mild which means the protagonist or antagonist will not have any weapons and no character will be in danger and if they are it will only be for a short amount of time

A good example of a U rated film is 101 Dalmations.

Films rated PG are also suitable for all but some scenes in the film may be unsuitable for a younger audience, PG films are mainly suited for 8 and older but can be viewed by younger but parents should consider whether the content will upset younger children.

Bad language in PG films are more lenient and words such as ‘shit’ and ‘son of a bitch’, PG works can explore challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism.

Violence can be used within the film such as the use of blood however the audience cannot see how the injuries are inflicted, violence is usually shown in a comedic fashion as seen Home Alone.

Films rated 12a are films suited for those older than 12 years old, and any viewers who are younger should be accompanied by an adult, the difference between 12a and 12 is that 12 is used for retail which means the merchandise cannot be sold to anyone younger than 12 whereas 12a is used for the cinema.

12a films can use bad language from previous ratings however is 12a/12 films the f-word can be used however in some films it can only be used once, puns on strong language are allowed. Discrimination can be used but should not be the main topic of the film, sex in 12a films can be shown discreetly also sexual references/innuendos should also be brief.

A good example of a 12a film is The Avengers.

Films rated 15 are films suited for those 15 and older and any films rated 15 cannot be sold to anyone younger, 15 films usually contain:

• Strong use of violence
• Frequent use of bad language
• Sexual Activity
• Verbal references to sex
• Discrimination and discriminatory language/behaviour

In a 15 film bad language has no limit and strong language can be used as many times as the film wants however there can only be a small use of stronger swear words such as the c-word, 15 films can also include discrimination whether it being racist, homophobic or others but the film should not encourage its audience to discriminate.

18 rated films are similar to 15 films but it is stepped up a bit for example if 15 films the c-word cannot be used as often as the f-word however if 18 films it can be used the same amount for discrimination is the same as a 15 rated film as it can be used but not taught.

I believe that our film opening should be rated 12A, this is mainly because it can be watch by a family as it shows how people deal with things. There is not much violence which is shown in the film however you could say there is mild reference to violence as the protagonist is a boxer . Although it does not show anyone getting injured or hurt the themes and idea of boxing might be needed to be explained to young kids by their parents so it is better than they need to be with their parents when they watch it.