The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is an organisation funded by the film industry which is responsible for the censorship and classification of films. It was formed in 1912 by a group of members of the film industry who wanted to manage their own censorship instead of a government organisation to do it for them. It began to take action on the 1st of January 1913. It was based on the Cinematography Act 1909. This act required cinemas to have licences to show films from local authorities.
During the Second World War the BBFC was given power to completely censor films. This was because cinema had become a powerful mass-medium and it was feared by the government that it would be used for propaganda purposes as this has happened in the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany at the time. This meant that scripts would have to be submitted to the BBFC before the shooting process could start. However, Hollywood films were not treated in the same way as the British Films as the BBFC believed that American cinema represented foreign culture did not have an affect on audiences.
After WW2 the BBFC was involved in the increasing controversies involving the depictions of sex and violence rather than political expression. Movies at this time were also used as an argument for the legalization of homosexuality.
In the 80's the BBFC was also given the power and responsibility to classify videos for hire or purchase for home viewing. Home video and cinema are normally given the same certificate, although occasionally they can be given a stricter home rating because of an additional content. In December 1986, the first computer game was given a BBFC rating. However the BBFC was given no power over print media.
Here are the current certificates:
UNIVERSAL: All ages are admitted as there is nothing unsuitable for children. There is only allowed the infrequence use of mildly bad language such as "damn" or "hell". Characters are allowed to be kissing or cuddling but there is no overt focus on sexual behaviors or innuendos. Violence will generally be very mild, and will contain a reassuring element. U films will normally contain positive messages of loyalty, honesty and friendship.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE: All ages are admitted but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children but should not disturb children 8 years or older. PG movies can explore challenging issues such as bullying. There may be mild bad language such as "sh*t" or "b*tch" but the delivery of the line cannot be aggressive or too frequent. Sex references are unlikely unless they are unlikely to be understood by a child such as innuendos. Violence again is mild, there may be some blood but an audience cannot see the injury. Violence is more acceptable in a historical, comedic or fantasy setting.
12A (CINEMA ONLY): The 12A applies only to cinema films with the A standing for 'ACCOMPANIED' meaning that any child under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult (anyone over 18 years old). The tone of the film cannot be too dark or upsetting which could disturb an audience is unlikely to pass as a 12A and would be moving towards the 15 category. Strong language, such as "f***", may be passed at this level dependent on the context in which it is used and if it can be justified. Aggressive usage of such language may result in the film being placed in the 15 category. Any discriminatory behavior or language (eg- homophobic or racist terms) is very unlikely to be passed at a 12A unless it is clearly condemned. Sex may be briefly portrayed, verbal references should not pass what is suitable for young teenagers. Sexual references can be used more frequently for comedic effect and innuendo can be used frequently. There may be some kind of nudity in a sexual context but should be brief or discreet. Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail, as in, no emphasis on injuries or blood, unless it can be justified. Weapons may also be present during a 12A and can be used in extensive fight scenes. However, instruments which are accessible to teens (for example knives) should not be focused on or glamoured. Sexual violence (such as rape or assault) can be briefly introduced however, should not be focused on and must be justified. The usage of drug misuse can be infrequently used but should not be glamorized or contain instructional detail.
12 (HOME ONLY): The 12 is the same as a 12A requirements only applies to outside of cinema exhibition of the film and can only be sold to people over the age of 12.
15: Only 15 year old's or older can view a 15 and can purchase 15's legally. There is not limit on the number of strong language uses, for example "f***" can be used as many times as the film makers want. There may also be some examples of the strongest terms, for example "c***". This depends on the context in which they are used and require justification. However, aggressive use of these very strong terms in unlikely to pass as a 15. There many be discriminatory language but at a 15 level it must not endorse this language or behavior. Sex scenes can be quite long, but without the use of strong detail. Nudity is allowed in a sexual context without strong detail. 15's are also allowed to portray strong violence although should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury as sadistic violence is unlikely to be acceptable. There can also be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of this must be discreet and justified by context. Any drug use should not promote the idea of drugs, the misuse of very dangerous substances is very unlikely to pass at this level. Elements such as suicide or self-harming can be included but not dwell on detail which could be copied.
18: There is no limit to language at an 18 level, even very strong language such as "c***". This language can also be used aggressively or accompanied by strong violence. There can be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language and the themes can be explored into depth. Although it should not be promoted as good. There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex, including full nudity. At an 18 film or video can contain depictions of real sex, as long as the film or video is not a sex work. There can also be strong violence with strong detail, even the infliction of pain or injury. Sadistic and sexual violence are also permitted. Drugs can also be used but the work as a whole should not promote their use. Very dangerous or criminal behavior however can be cut from a film.
R18: The classification for explicit works of sex.
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