Research Into The BBFC

The BBFC or British Board of Film classification are an independent, non- governmental organisation which has classified cinema films since 1912..

The classification of films, DVD's and video games is a process determined by regularly updated guidelines. These guide lines are created through extensive scrutiny from two examiners and then come to a group decision. As well as this results are dependent upon a consensus of the public and research and years of gathered knowledge and experience for the BBFC. The specific content they look for specifically includes, drug use, discrimination, danger, language, nudity, sex and violence. They consider these themes and whether it is suitable for children.

Film, DVD and video games are divided into age rated categories such as U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18..

U, stands for Universal and therefore suitable for any ages. The BBFC have given a suggested age minimum of 4 years old, however if the child is younger it is suggested the guardian of the child deem it suitable, although it is very difficult to know what may unset a young child. The U rating does not allow the use of any bad language, only mild language such as 'for god sake'. Sexual behaviour is strictly prohibited only brief kissing and cuddling is allowed.The villain or 'baddies' within the film may carry a weapon, however there will be no emphasis upon such weapon, this is in order to not promote the use of weapons Mild violence is allowed however it must be quickly resolved with the use of equally balanced comical scenes and music, as to not unsettle young children. A U rated film can be any theme as long as it is appropriate for young children. 

An example of a U rated film is Walt Disney's, The Little Mermaid

This classic Disney motion picture is rated a U due to its ability to perfectly follow the guidelines, i.e mild language, mild violence, lack of weapons. As well as this, Disney films in particular are perfect for a young audience as they include a prevalent positive message throughout. For example, in The Little Mermaid, Ariel has to battle with her thirst for curiosity, a trait she feels her father does not understand as she perceives him as unfair. However in the end the film emphasis the message, to the young audience that, although a parents decision may at first seem unjust and extreme, they only have your best interest at heart. As far as violence is concerned, the villain 'Ursula' although corrupt with evil and featured in the film cause major havoc whilst commencing a fight scene towards the end, this is soon resolved as any U rated film would, with the 'goodie' coming out on top by defeating the villain. As well as this there are also no references to drugs or sexual behaviour, therefore it fits perfectly into the U category the BBFC rated it.

PG stands for Parental Guidance, this means parents can decide whether they wish for their child to view the film, despite its suitability for general viewing it should not unsettle any child under the age of 8 years old. Themes such as bullying, drugs, smoking and drinking may be included with in a PG film, however only very mildly and always in a way to discourage the viewer (especially the younger audience) from being influenced by such themes. There may be infrequent uses of mild language such as 'sh*t' but this will not be used aggressively, as this may confuse and scare the younger audience. A PG may contain mild sex scenes, these will not be detailed as it would then not appeal to a young demographic and may leave many children not understanding the situation. 

An example of a PG rated film is 'Big'

This is a classic coming of age film includes a mild sexual referencing, however it is only a very mild form of sexual content as the film is explored by the mind set of a child (josh, played by Tom Hanks) stuck in an adults body. A mild use of language is portrayed through out, with the exception of the 'f' word that is blurted out by the best friend Billy. There is a very mild form of violence throughout and no drug references. However, there is a great deal of smoking in the film, mainly by Elizabeth Perkins' character Susan. Due to the year of release being 1988 smoking had not yet become increasingly discouraged, with laws against smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants, being non existent at this time. Therefore some parents now may be inclined to not let their younger children view this film as they may be influenced.

12A means that people over 12 are allowed to view the film, however those under 12 most be accompanied by an adult. The 12 rating is for films and videos, whereas 12A is purely for cinema showing purposes. The BBFC believe that films rated 12A should be seen by viewers over 12 but it is left up to the parents to make a decision of whether they feel it would be appropriate. This age rating allows infrequent bad language, sexual nature deemed suitable for teenage viewing and scenes of a violent nature. In conjunction with violence, weapons can be featured but must be shown in a negative light as to not in courage a teenage audience of the benefits of weapons. Scenes portraying the use of drugs and drink may also be allowed but should not be shown in detail.

An example of a 12A is 'The Hangover'

The Hangover is a self explanatory film based around three men waking up the day after celebrating their best friends bachelor party, only to have no memory of what happened and the bachelor missing. This film was issued a 12A rating due to its bad language not suitable for child viewing. There is a prevalent theme of violence between the three men, rival gangs and people along the way they have managed to exploit. There is also a reference to drugs, however this only occurs during the end of the film meaning the theme of drugs was not explored through the whole film, only briefly.

An example of a 12 rating is 'The Hunger Games'

The hunger games is tragic portrayal of one seemingly average girl's desire to have the odds ever in her favour. This film was rated a 12 mainly due to its frequent scenes of violent nature as one boy and girl from each district literally battle for their lives. Any viewers under the age of 12 years old may find these scenes extremely distressing. There is only mild language featured and mild sexual nature throughout, also featured are brief references to drink. Many people lead to say that this was a poor judgement of rating and should of been a 12A due to its frequently violent nature. Personally I believe that the 12 rating allows a young audience to come to terms difficult situations that may be applied to their modern society such as, the death of a loved one, or cases of violence. However I understand that many other people may disagree with this opinion, for example parents may not want their child to view such violent nature.

The 15 rating means that only people over 15 are allowed to view the film. There is a big difference between a 12 and 15 rated films. 15 rated films allow strong violence, frequent bad language, sexual activity, nudity, drug usage and discriminant language and behaviour. Although sexual activity and nudity is approved there should not be strong detail. Violent content is allowed within a 15 rating although sexual violence is unlikely to be deemed acceptable. Drugs may be shown but the misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances, such as aerosols or solvents, are unlikely to be accepted at 15.

An example of a 15 rated film is 'The Black Swan'

The Black Swan is the exploration of a ballet dancer's life as she wins the lead role in 'Swan Lake', as the white swan, but slowly loses her mind and becomes increasingly like, the black swan. A strong sexual content is displayed as the young ballet dancer is forced out of her comfort zone. There is a sinister undertone throughout displayed by the extended metaphor of her slowly turning into the tainted and corrupt black swan, creates a complex plot suited for those of 15 and above. As well as this there is a frequent use of bad language and drinking. Violent nature is peppered throughout the scene also, whether it be heated arguments with the ballerina and her mother or with her self. Over all this film mimics the typical conventions of a thriller, perfect for a rating of 15.

An 18 rating means no one under the age of 18 are permitted to see this film. Strong language is allowed and may be used frequently and aggressively.There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language within this rating, however in a modern society people are faced with this type of discrimination on a daily basis. The inclusion of detailed sexual scenes and nudity is also permitted. Strong violent nature is allowed in great detail, a film under this rating may even dwell upon the infliction of pain, injury, scenes of sadistic or sexual violence.

An example of an 18 rated film is 'The Exorcist'

 This is a classic film, famous for its extremely horrifying depiction of a young girls exorcism. 'The Exorcist' has features extremely bad language, especially once the young girl is possessed and the devil begins to speak for her. There are scenes of extreme sexual nature, most of which are sexually violent. The theme of extreme violence is carried throughout the film as the girl in her possessed state aims to seriously harm or kill anyone in her sight. The main feature of this horror film is however extreme frequent scenes of strong blood and gore. Whether the possessed girl is crab crawling down the stair spitting blood, using the crucifix as a weapon to seriously injure herself or throwing up green projectile over someone, this film is packed full of gruesome horror themes, making it arguably one of the most scary and horrifying films every made.

In conclusion, I have decided through my extensive research that for my thriller I will aim for a 15 rated, inspired film. I was inspired by the freedom of appealing to an older audience and aware that most thrillers I had researched into already all fell into the 15 rated category. I personally feel that it would be difficult to appeal to an audience of people 12 and under, as they may find some the basic conventions of a thriller, such as gore, drug references, offencive and unsettling.