Hannah Warren

When considering context, the following factors, amongst other,

may be taken into account:

• the expectations of the public in general

• the work’s genre
• the manner in which an issue is presented
• the apparent intention of the film marker, as reflected in its effect
• the original production date of the work. Example: outdated attitudes which
might be considered offensive in a contemporary work may be treated more
leniently in a much older, and obviously dated piece of work
• any merits of the work
Other aspects must also be taken into account, such as:

• Tone and impact – the overall tone of a work may also affect the classification decision.
• Discrimination – potentially offensive content, relating to such matters as race, gender, religion,
disability or sexuality may arise in a wide range of works, and the classification decision will take
account of the strength or impact of its inclusion.
• Drugs – no work taken as a whole may promote the misuse of drugs.
• Horror – frightening elements adds to the excitement by where films are targeted as a younger
audience, classification decisions will take into account such factors as the frequency, length and
detail of scary scenes as well as horror effects, music and sound.
• Imitable behaviour – classification decisions will take into account any detailed portrayal of
criminal and violent techniques as well as glamorisation of knives, etc. Works which portray anti-
social behaviour uncritically are likely to receive a more restrictive classification.
• Language – Many people are offended by bad language but it is impossible to set our
comprehensive lists of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category. The
advice at different classification levels, therefore, provides general guidance taking account of the
views expressed in public consultation exercises.
• Also: nudity, sex, themes and violence.
 Suitable for all
• No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of

• No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young
children

• Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety in children. Therefore, have a reassuring outcome.

• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.

• No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons

• Infrequent use of very mild bad language

• Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context

• Problematic themes can be present but their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children

• Mild violence only. Occasional mild treat or menace only.

• Mild sexual behaviour, such as kissing and references only such as ‘making love’
 General viewing but some scenes may be
unsuitable for young children
• A PG film should not disturb a child aged around 8+ years

• Discriminatory language or behaviour should be clearly disapproved or in an educational or historical context

• References to illegal drugs should carry an anti-drug message

• Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense

• No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy

• Mild bad language only

• Natural nudity with no sexual context

• Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent

• Mild sex references and innuendo only

• Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed if justified in its context. For example; history, comedy, fantasy

• Mature themes are acceptable but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers
Suitable for 12 years and over
Exists only for cinema films.

No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a

cinema unless accompanied by an adult.

An adult may take a younger child if, in their

judgement, the film is suitable for that particular
child. In such circumstances, responsibility for
allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the
accompanying adult
 Suitable for 12 years and over
• Discriminatory language/ behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive use of this is likely to be
rejected

• Drugs misuse must be infrequent and should not give detail nor be glamorised

• Moderate physical or psychological threat may be permitted as long as sequences are not repeated

• Dangerous behaviour, like committing suicide, should not dwell on detail which could be copied.

• Weapons should not be glamorised

• Moderate language is allowed and strong language must be infrequent

• Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet

• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Frequent crude references are likely to be accepted/

• Mature themes are acceptable but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers

• Moderate language is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood.
 Suitable only for 15 years +
•Must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour

• Drug consumption may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage
drug misuse in any way

• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sexualised

• Dangerous acts, such as suicide should not be dwelled upon which could be copied

• Weapons should not be glamorised

• Frequent use of strong language such as ‘fuck’ is acceptable. However the strongest terms
must be justified by context or not used at all

• Sexual nudity and activity can be portrayed as long as it isn’t accompanied with strong
detail

• No theme is prohibited

• Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury
 Suitable for adults only
• The BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that
adults should be free to choose their own entertainment but exceptions are most
likely in the following areas:
• material has breached the criminal law
• material creates a risk of harm to individuals such as portraying violent acts
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified
by context

• Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as
human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be
permitted
•Sex works containing only imagery which may be simulated are generally passed
as ‘18’
 To be shown only in specially licensed
cinemas to adults of not less than 18 years

• legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of

consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.

• any work including breach of the criminal law, material likely to

encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity, infliction of pain
or acts which may cause lasting physical harm or penetration by
any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical
harm is not acceptable
 The Neighbour…
I think my film would be classified as a 15 rating as it:
• Explores mature themes that are not necessarily suitable for young teenagers (so exceeds the
12years band)
• Moderate psychological threat is repeated throughout the film (also exceeds the 12 years band)

However, in all other aspects it would most definitely not be classified as a 15 because:
• There is no reference to drugs
• No sexual scenes or scenes of violence
• No bad language is used at any point
• There is no reference to dangerous weapons or activity

Our films classification is therefore due to the nature and themes explored.