The
British Board of Film Classification
(BBFC) rates both motion pictures and videos.
Local
authorities are responsible for accepting and enforcing
the BBFC's recommended ratings for cinema showings,
whereas those for videos are legally binding.
The
current BBFC system is:
Uc
(Universal : Children) Suitable for all. Videos classified
'Uc' are particularly suitable for pre-school children.
(Video only)
U
(Universal) Suitable for all. (The board state that
while they cannot predict what might upset a particular
child, a 'U' film should be suitable for audiences
aged 4 and over)
PG
(Parental Guidance) General viewing but some scenes
may be unsuitable
for young children. (It is the board's policy that
movies rated 'PG' should not
disturb a child of about 8 years of age or older;
however, parents are advised
to consider whether the content may upset young or
more sensitive children)
12A
(12 Accompanied/Advisory) Suitable for 12 years and
over. No one
younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless
accompanied by
an adult. (Exclusively for cinema, '12A' was first
implemented on The
Bourne Identity and not, contrary to popular belief,
on Spider-Man, which
was first released months before, under the previously
fully restrictive 12
certificate, and then immediately re-released to take
advantage of the new
guidelines)
12 Suitable for 12 years and over. No one younger
than 12 may rent or buy
a '12' rated video. (Until 31 August 2002, this mandatory
certificate used to
apply to cinema exhibitions as well)
15
Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger
than 15 may see a
'15' film in a cinema. No younger than 15 may rent
or buy a '15' rated video.
18
Suitable only for adults. No one younger than 18 may
see an '18' film in
a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an
'18' rated video.
R18
(Restricted 18) To be shown only in specially licensed
cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and
to adults of not less than 18 years.
(These films contain sexually explicit, pornographic
content.)
Motion
Picture Association of America film rating system
The
Federation Against Copyright Theft:
FACT’s
primary purpose is to protect the United Kingdom’s
film and broadcasting industry against counterfeiting,
copyright and trademark infringements.
