Most of the age ratings for cinema and video in the UK are produced by the British board of film

classification or bbfc. It is an independent,

non-governmental body which has been operating since 1912. Their ratings have been added to videos, DVDs and some video games since
the video recordings act was passed in 1984. There is now a statutory requirement to classify under the video recordings act passed by
Parliament in 2010.
The bbfc charges for its services but is a non-profit making body allowing it to avoid any challenge to its impartiality and making it free
from any suspicion of corruption.
The organisation is not the only body which offers age recommendations for audiences, SKY also rate some films and DVDs. whichever
organisation is involved, the aim is to offer a guide to audience or parents about what is a suitable age for people to watch the material. A
'U' certificate means the content is suitable for everyone while 12, 15, PG,18 and R18 certificates offer a guide that some material should
only be viewed by people of a certain age. R18 means the film can only be shown at licenced adult cinemas, reflecting the extreme nature
of the content.

Bbfc use colours and shapes to help identify which classification is being used.

A 12A classification was added relatively recently with limited success. In 2013 a record number of films were rated 12A despite research
showing 27% of cinema goers were unclear about its meaning. 12A requires an adult to accompany a 12 year old to watch a film but the
added complication appears to have confused some people.
Film producers are very aware that the classification they receive can have significant knock on financial consequences for the film. If a
film is given an 18 certificate only adults can watch it. However, if the film can be given a 15 rating there will be a greater potential
audience. The film Dark Knight had what some see as adult themes but was controversially given a 12A certificate. Treading a fine line
between protecting the public from offensive material and caving into commercial pressures is one of the key skills of the regulators.
Sometimes the regulator may ask for editing changes to be made to a film to enable them to place a desired certificate on the final cut.

The Dark Knight film had menacing under tones but was still granted a 12A certificate.
Aspects which are taken into account before a decision is taken on classification are language, violence, sexual content and adult
controversial themes. Liberal cinema viewers press for a more relaxed regime but others want tough guidelines in place. Finding the right
balance is not easy. Another example is the film Saving Private Ryan dealt with extreme violence in the Second World war. The opening
scene was shocking although probably true to life. The film, won many awards and was given a 15 certificate sparking considerable
controversy. Some cinemas in the United States refused to show the film because of its violence but in the UK audiences were able to see
the brutality in the context of the reality of war and were generally less offended.

The opening scene of Saving Private Ryan was particularly brutal and violent but was awarded a 15
certificate.
Regulators overseas vary hugely. Some countries demand very strict guidelines on what can be show. In Arab countries the idea of films
with sexual or religious content is deeply frowned upon where as sex and violence is seen as more acceptable in western democracies
The considerations for film classifiers needs to reflect the culture and attitudes of the country they are applied to. Its no good allowing
young people to watch adult content if society generally won't stand for it.

Its a skilful balancing act which also needs to consider appropriate taste against the commercial interests of the studios and producers.