Film Certificates

Film certificates

Universal:

When the film is rated U it means that the film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over although it is hard to predict what will and what won’t upset a child. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be infrequent or have a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Parental guidance (PG):

Parental guidance is very similar to the Universal rating however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset their child. Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of, or in educational or historic context.  References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must carry a suitable anti-drug message. In regards to imitable behaviour, no detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, if that behaviour is presented as safe or fun.  There will be mild bad language only. Aggressive or very frequent use of mild bad language will result in the film being rated higher. There may be nudity but with no sexual scenes. Sexual activity may be applied but must be discreet and infrequent. If the film has any violence in it then it must be mild. However there may be moderate violence, without detail, if justified by its context.

12/12A RATING:

Films that are rated 12 or a 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged fewer than 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless they are supervised by an adult. Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.  Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not give instructional detail. In regards to the language used, there may be moderate language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification. In a 12/12A film there may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may occur briefly and or discreetly portrayed. There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be.  There may be violence in the film but it should not dwell on the detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context.

15 RATING:

No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. The film as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language. Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug usage for an example making it clear to the audience how to use/ do it. Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used. There are no restrictions on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.  There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable.

18 RATING:

No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in the cinema or rent out an 18 rated film. In an 18 rated film, sex material genuinely is there to inform and educate for an example human sexuality or safer sex and health, even though they can go into detail in an 18 rated film, there still needs to be a purpose. In regards to sex scenes, explicit images of sexual activity are allowed. Another reason why a film could be rated as in 18 is because the film may contain hard drug use and the scenes may be educational and instructional. There may also be sadistic violence or sexual abuse.