H

C
AR N

O
E
T
S
S
N
E H

RE J O

C HI
F
P
B
O
BY S
B

ABOUT BBFC
All classification decisions are based on the BBFCs published and regularly updated
Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation,
research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They
reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.
Films for theatrical release are normally classified by at least two Examiners using the
published Guidelines. In most cases the decision is ratified by a Senior Examiner,
but if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues
are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and
including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally it is necessary to take
specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for
harm. DVDs are normally seen by one Examiner, particularly when they are viewing
the DVD version of a cinema film which has already been classified. However,
opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour,
language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions.
They also consider context, the tone and impact of a work (e.g. how it makes the
audience feel) and even the release format (for example, as DVDs are watched in
the home, there is a higher risk of underage viewing).

DIFFERENT AGE CLASSIFICATIONS OF FILMS

USUAL RATINGS OF THRILLER FILMS

12A CLASSIFICATION FILMS

WHAT DOES THE 12A SYMBOL MEAN?

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain
material that is not generally suitable for children aged
under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a
cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to
take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider
whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them
decide, we recommend that they check the BBFC insight for
that film in advance.

WILL THERE BE USES OF STRONG LANGUAGE IN A 12A OR 12 WORK?

The BBFC's Guidelines state that strong language (e.g. 'f***')

may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in
which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency
and any special contextual justification. Aggressive uses of
strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at
the 15 category. There is some allowance for puns on strong
language at this category.
There may be moderate language (e.g. uses of terms such
as bitch and twat at 12 or 12A).

WHAT SORT OF VIOLENCE CAN I EXPECT IN A 12A OR 12?

At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on

detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but
occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be
justified by their context (for example brief sight of bloody
injury in a medical drama).
Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12A or 12,
and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons
which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds (such as
knives) should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.
Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be
implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A and 12.
Such scenes must also have a strong contextual
justification.

CAN HORROR FILMS BE PASSED 12 OR 12A?

Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate

physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12A or 12A
as long as horror sequences are not too frequent or
sustained and the overall tone is not disturbing.

15 CLASSIFICATION FILMS

WHAT DOES THE 15 SYMBOL MEAN?

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or
buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable
for children under 15 years of age.

WHAT MIGHT I SEE IN A 15 RATED FILM OR VIDEO?

Any of the following:

strong violence

frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').

portrayals of sexual activity

strong verbal references to sex

sexual nudity

brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to

sexual violence

discriminatory language or behaviour

drug taking

WHAT ABOUT HORROR WORKS?

At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is

no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

WHAT ABOUT DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR OR THINGS TEENS MIGHT COPY?

We consider the risk of potential harm to impressionable

teenagers. For example, dangerous behaviour such as
hanging, suicide and self-harming should not dwell on detail
which could be copied.
Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is
acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context
and setting.

OUR AGE CLASSIFICATION

We decided to make our thriller film a 12A since it will include
scenes of violence and mild horror that is not suitable for
children under 12