BBFC Research

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), before 1985 known as British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom.

Members of the film industry, who would rather manage their own censorship, than have national or local government do it for them, established the BBFC in 1912 as the British Board of Film Censors. It began operating on 1 January 1913.

Its legal basis was the Cinematograph Act 1909, which required cinemas to have licences from local authorities. The Act was introduced for safety reasons after a number of nitrate film fires in unsuitable venues (fairgrounds and shops that had been hastily converted into cinemas) but the following year a court ruling

determined that the criteria for granting or refusing a licence did not have to be restricted to issues of health and safety.

Symbol Name Customer Information

Examples

Universal All ages admitted, there is almost nothing

unsuitable for children

Lion King The smurfs 2 The Croods

Parental Guidance All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Should not

disturb children aged 8 years or over. May

contain mild language and sex/drugs

references. May contain moderate violence if

justified by context (e.g. fantasy). Parents may wish to check the film before they let their

children watch it.

Wreck-it Ralph

Frozen Star Wars

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

12A This category applies to cinema only releases

since 2002. Films under this category are considered to be

unsuitable for young children. Cinemas are

only permitted to supply tickets to see a

12A-rated film to children under the age of 12 years if an adult

accompanies them, aged at least 18 years. However, it is unlikely

to be suitable for children under the age

of 12.

Films under this category can contain

mature themes, discrimination, soft

drugs, infrequent strong language and

moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly

portrayed. Sexual violence may be implied

or briefly indicated.

Iron Man 3 Godzilla Pacific Rim The Hunger

Games: Catching Fire

Skyfall

12 This category applies to cinema releases from August 1989 to 2002, and home media since 1994. It is suitable only

for persons aged 12 years and over, not to be supplied to anyone

below that age. It is illegal to knowingly

rent or sell a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game to anyone

under the age of 12.

Les Miserables

The Hobbit The Lord of

the Rings Getaway The perks of

being a wallflower

12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version

unless extra material has been added that

requires a higher rating. The content guidelines are identical to those

used for the 12A certificate

15 Suitable only for persons aged 15 years

and over, not to be supplied to anyone below that age. It is illegal to knowingly

rent or sell a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or supply cinema tickets for a film

with this rating, to anyone under the age of

15.

Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard

drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very

strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without

any strong detail. Sexual violence may be

shown if discreet.

Ted The Heat Mama The Matrix Jackass

Presents: Bad Grandpa

18 Suitable only for persons aged 18 years

and over, not to be supplied to anyone below that age. It is illegal to knowingly

rent or sell an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or supply cinema tickets for a film

with this rating, to anyone under the age of

18.

Films under this category do not have limitation on the foul language that is used.

Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references

along with detailed sexual activity are also

allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be

permitted if justified by the context. Very

strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted.

Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is

eroticized or excessively graphic.

Django Unchained

Evil Dead Pulp Fiction Kill Bill The Wolf of

Wall Street Spring

Breakers Filth Don Jon

After researching these certifications we have decided to classify our film as a 15. This is because most films in the film noir genre would fit into the 15 and 18 categories. As drugs may possibly be included,

although only talked about, and since it includes elements of violence and crime it made us come to the conclusion that our film would be

classified as a 15.