Research into Age Certificates and the Role of The BBFC - Miss Miller

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is an organisation that classify British cinema films. They began in 1912, sorting videos into appropriate age ratings before in 1984 when they began also classifying DVD's as well as some online content. The ultimate aim of the board is to protect viewers from content that could cause harm or any illegal filming.  The board examines and age rates films to protect and empower the public.Guildline's and public questionnaires are used to help classify a film into its appropriate age rating. It is important that a film is assigned an age rating because it protects children from watching inappropriate content that could potentially cause harm to them. It also allows parents to make informed choices about whether the film would be suitable for their child, recognising and respecting adult freedom of choice within the law. Classification responds and reflects changing social attitudes towards media content through discussions with the public and research.

Age ratings

There are seven possible age ratings for a film. The first rating is U which stands for Universal. Films with an age rating of U are suitable for those of four years old and older, but it is up to the parents to decide if the film is suitable for their child. Sexual scenes and nudity are not permitted in a U film  as it is inappropriate for young children.Characters in the film can only be seen kissing, cuddling or referring to sexual behaviour inexplicitly as this would not be shocking or harmful to a young viewer.Scenes cannot be too violent and in scenes where a character may be put in danger, there should be a positive and reassuring ending and the threat is not prolonged, creating a joyful film ending overall.                                                                                                                                                               There should be no scenes of drugs, discriminatory language/behaviour or any dangerous, anti-social behaviour that a young child could imitate.  Infrequent use of bad language is used if it is very mild,for example words such as 'damn' or 'hell'. Any violent or scary scenes are brief and short in a film rated U and are usually counterbalanced with elements more suitable to a young age. Such as comedy and music. There is no emphasis on the violence as the films tend to not focus on weapons if they are used.

Toy Story 3 Film Poster

An example of a U rated film would be Toy Story 3. It is an American 3D Animation film about a teenage boy who is about to leave for college. A group of his toys are mistakenly donated to a day-care centre. They work together to escape the antagonist toys and find their way back home.The theme is based on toys so therefore relates immediately to young children.

This film explores a wide range of themes, all of which are particularly appropriate for young children. It contains positive messages about friendship, loyalty and growing up. There is some mild language but it is very infrequent and subtle. Most of the characters are positive and friendly so the film overall has a happy atmosphere. However there is a dark and evil character, Lotso, in the film that some young children may find frightening. He runs the day-care like a prison and manipulates and controls the other toys. Big Baby and the Cymbal-Banging Monkey are two other characters that the children might be afraid of. In one scene the Big Baby's head turns all the way round in a frightening way. However at the end of the movie, Lotso is punished for his bad actions and Big Baby and the Monkey change to become good characters and it is shown that they are happier this way. This is impressionable on the young audience as it connotes a positive message. Lotso's appearance is childlike and fun because he is a pink soft toy. This decreases the fear that he creates in children slightly.

'Lotso'

There is a flashback scene where Lotso, Big Baby and Chuckles are lost by their owner. A young child could find this sad and emotional. Any sexual references are very mild and infrequent. There is flirting between characters such as Ken and Barbie and Buzz and Jessie as well as Ken being shown in his underwear and the other toys joking about his femininity but this would go over younger children's heads as they would not understand the humour. There are no alcohol or drug references however one of the scenes takes place in a gambling setting. Violence in scenes includes a toy being broken for information but this occurs off-screen. Buzz gets hit by a falling TV set but the scene cuts away on impact. Barbie threatens Ken in a form of 'torture' by pinning him down and destroying his belongings but this is shown for comedic effect. In one scene Buzz is thrown onto a table and later tied up to a chair where his battery setting is forcibly changed.

The toys are locked in crates and Mr Potato head is made to sleep in a cold and dark sandbox for solitary confinement.During a dramatic, tense and emotional sequence, the toys are almost killed by an incinerator but the ending of the film is happy so the overall outcome for the child watching the film is positive and reassuring.

PG stands for Parental Guidance meaning that although the film is usually suitable for all ages, there are some scenes that a parent may have to consider as unsuitable for younger children under the age of eight because some themes may be unsettling for them. Issues that would not be appropriate in a U film can be explored in a PG film, such as bullying, family death or racism. However no themes that are inappropriate for a child are found in a PG film, as these themes should not shock or surprise young children because they are likely to be something that the child is exposed to in real life at this age.

Sexual references and scenes of violence or threat are infrequent and undetailed. So, references of a sexual nature may be used if a child would not understand it or it is very mild.Violent images of fight scenes and blood would be allowed but are not shown graphically as a child at this age is impressionable and likely to imitate behaviour they watch. Scenes that may be sightly frightening or too tense for a child are allowed but are brief and the outcome is usually positive.



Tangled Film Poster

Tangled is a film that is rated PG. Tangled is a musical fantasy-comedy film. It is a modernised version of the old fairy tale Rapunzel and as it is a PG it is suitable for general viewing. Sexual references are mild, for example there is flirting between the characters Rapunzel and Flynn and at one point of the film they kiss. There are some scenes of subtle violence. For example, Rapunzel hits Flynn on the head with a frying pan but this is shown for comedic effect so is not presented as violent or dangerous. Also for comedic effect, Flynn later fights several soldiers with a frying pan. A group of rough-looking men approach and attempt to attack Flynn which may be frightening for young children but the men are stopped. Flynn cuts his hand on a rock but the wound is shown only briefly. Towards the end of the film, Mother Gothel stabs Flynn and blood is clearly shown when Rapunzel examines the wound. However, no blood is shown on the knife and Flynn is later revived.

There are some mild references to alcohol and smoking. One
man in the film acts as if he is constantly drunk and others can be seen with drinking glasses  as they sit in a pub-like setting. Flynn states that he does not remember parts of a week-long celebration, implying that he was drunk.



'Mother Gothel'

There are also some scenes that a young child may find frightening and intense. In one scene, Mother Gothel rapidly ages, trips on Rapunzel's hair and then falls out of a window. When her cloak hits the ground there is nothing left but dust. The film begins with an infant being kidnapped by Mother Gothel. Mother Gothel has scary mannerisms and gestures that may frighten younger viewers. Much like the song 'Mother Knows Best' which is performed by Mother Gothel in an eerie setting.                         One scene that may cause distress involves two people being in danger of drowning when they are trapped in a cave filling with water but they both escape unharmed. Although the end of the film is very emotional and may be a little intense and frightening for young children, Tangled is still a film that can be enjoyed by most ages because the outcome is happy and uplifting.

                                         

The next age rating for a film is 12. If a film is rated a 12 then some topics are not suitable for children under the age of 12.  Strong language is allowed in a 12 film depending on who it is used by. For example, if it used by a child and a young child watched it, they could imitate the character if there is not a clear message to discourage the use of bad language.
Any themes of discrimination are rarely allowed in films rated lower than a 15 and scenes of a sexual nature are only allowed if they are not explicit. Sexual references are used but infrequently and not in detail that would be unsuitable for any one aged 12. Any nudity in a 12 film would be brief and discreet. You could see the use of violent iconography such as weapons used in a fight scene but if the weapon is something that a 12 year old could find and use then it should not be over-glamourised or encouraged. It should have a clear message that it is wrong so the child is less likely to imitate the behaviour.
Sexual violence is briefly and discreetly indicated in a 12 rated film if they are justified by context.

 Dangerous behaviour, such as suicide, can be implied but not too detailed if indicated to prevent the behaviour being copied by young viewers.                                                                                             A child under the age of 12 can watch a 12A film so long as they are accompanied by an adult because some scenes can be more controversial then a 12 rated film.  This gives the parent freedom of choice within the law as they can decide whether or not the film is appropriate for their child. If the film has a dark, unsettling theme then it will most likely be classified as a 12 rather than a 12A because younger children may find this upsetting if it doesn't have a reassuring ending. Although strong language can be used in a 12A film there is no strong focus on it. 12 year-old's are beginning to learn about sex so this classification allows discreet portrayal of some moderate sex references and innuendos but they are not used frequently and are vague. Comedy is sometimes used to lessen the impact of the sexual language or nature.Violence can be passed at a 12A film so long as injuries or blood shown can be justified by the context and are shown briefly. Horror films with physical or psychological threat can are permitted in a 12 or 12A if the horror sequences are infrequent and the outcome is not disturbing. Some drug use is allowed in a 12 or 12A film but it should not be glamourised or presented in a manner that children are likely to copy.

The Woman in Black is a British Thriller film that has been classified a 12 age rating. There are no sexual references or scenes of nudity in this film. However there is quite a lot of violence and gore. The film is based on a ghost-like woman who can control the minds of children. Because of this, several children die in a trance like state as a result of being manipulated by the woman. For example, the first scene of the film entails three young girls abruptly stopping playing and calmly jumping out of the attic windows, falling to their deaths. You do not see the impact but you hear the mother scream.

The Woman in Black Film Poster

In another scene, a young girl coughs up blood having swallowed bleech and another girl smashes an oil lamp onto her feet and goes up in flames. Also, two young boys walk calmly into the sea and we later hear that they have drowned and another young boy calmly walks onto the train track and towards an approaching train. These scenes are brief and not too graphic. In several scenes the young children stand around in a zombie-like trance which some people may find creepy and frightening. When two men are digging to bury the body of a boy, we see a rotting skeleton. The 'Woman in Black' jumps off of a rocking chair and hangs very briefly with a rope around her neck, she is reenacting her suicide. A doctor pulls a large sheet off of a woman and there is a large blood stain on another sheet between her legs, indicating childbirth.

Opening Scene

There is some use of mild language such as "hell" and religious exclamations like "oh my god" but each are only used five or six times throughout the film. The film overall can be frightening at some scenes and it is based on the death of young children so it may be shocking and disturbing to some viewers. The 'Woman in Black' can be terrifying for younger children as she has creepy and pained mannerisms and facial expressions and she sometimes screams loudly and intensly. In one scene the man is terrorised by the ghost and there are a lot of suspense, brief gory images and moments that could make the viewer jump.

The Fault in Our Stars Film Poster

The Fault In Our Stars is a 2014 film that is rated 12A. There is flirting seen between the two characters, Gus and Hazel and there is a short sex scene between the two. However it is not explicit or prolonged. Some mild sexual references include, Gus talking about sex and some female characters wearing short dresses and high heels.

Because the film is based on cancer, there are some scenes of gore. At one point Gus calls Hazel and asks for help when he is unable to move from his drivers seat in a gas station because he is feeling unwell. Under his shirt the audience sees a red infected area and Gus coughs up blood and a yellow liquid. Gus has lost one leg from the knee down and the viewer sees the artificial limb several times throughout the film. There is hardley any violence in this movie. however in one scene, Isaac is seen violently smashing trophies but this is shown for comedic value as it is shown in the background of Hazel and Gus having a conversation. The characters visit the Anne Frank Mueseum and video clips of WWII German wagons filled with dead bodies are played.

Emotional Scene

There are sterotypical references to Christians, parents and children with cancer etc. As well as some name calling and mild language. It is heavily implied that Van Houten is an alcoholic and Gus is seen with a cigarette is some scenes. There are some intense scenes as the overall subject of the film is cancer and death so this may be upsetting for a young audience. Hazel and Gus are seen in pain from cancer and Gus dies in the film. The film is classified a 13A because it is based on a sensitive topc as well as the fact that there is not a hppy ending. This can be very emotional and intense however the film is a love story so the intense and frightening moments are balanced with happy ones.

Only those who are aged 15 and above are permitted to watch a film with a 15 age rating at the cinema and buy or rent it on DVD or video because anyone under this age may  find the context unsettling or disturbing. there are no specific themes that are banned from a 15 rated film. The context just has to be appropriate for 15 year-old's so this may mean the context would be shown at less detail and frequency then it would be if it was shown in a 18 rated film.

Strong violence, portrayals of sexual activity, strong sexual refernces, scenes of nudity, brief scenes or  references to sexual violence,  strong language, discrimitary language or behavior and drug use can all be found in a 15 rated film. Aggressive uses of strong language is permitted in a 15 film depending on who is speaking, how they mean it and how frequently. Discrimitory language such as racism or homophobic language may be used as long as it is not encouraged. Violence in a 15 film may be strong so long as it is not very strong and sadistic,  the infliction of pain or injury  should not be dwelled on and the images should not be too gory. Detailed verbal references of rape or sexual assault may be used if it is in context. However, acts of sexual violence should be discreet.

There should be no focus on sexualised or sadistic threat but other strong threats and horror is permitted. Drug use can be shown in a 15 movie so long as there is no instructional detail as this could promote the use of drugs. Dangerous behaviour or acts that teenagers may copy are not prolonged, depending on the context, setting and realism.

Orphan Film Poster

Orphan is a 2009 thriller film with a 15 age rating. The husband and wife in the film are seen flirting, kissing and the husband hugs and kisses his wife while bare-chested and in bed.Sexual acts between the characters are implied but not seen to explicit detail and are usually interrupted. A few young boys look at a pornographic magazine, revealing a nude woman. The viewer sees paintings of a nude man and woman carressing and kissing each other. Suggestive clothes are worn: a low-cut top, a sheer t-shirt, a short night dress and lace underwear. Esther wears a short evening dress and makeup and attempts to seduce her adopted father. It is impled that the father is having a sexual relationship with a woman at the park who invites him to her house.

There is some bloody violence and gore but it is inconsistent as it is shown only really at the end. A woman reveals a scar on her abdomen and we hear that a young girl fell into a lake and nearly drowned while another girls family died in a house fire. A middle-aged women is seen lying dead on the ground with a bloody face after Esther is shown repeatedly hitting her with a hammer. The viewer hears as the husband falls to the ground with a knife in his side and then sees Esther repeatedly stab him in the chest. Esther stabs and fights violently with her adopted mother before they fall into a lake and she eventually falls down to the bottom lifelessly.

'Esther'

In a flashback scene, the wife dreams of being in labour and the audience can see blood pour from beneath her and blood soaked medical equipments. We hear noises that the instruments make as they are used on the screaming woman before she is handed a blood drenched baby. Esther puts her own arm in a vice and we see the bone press against the skin and hear her scream. A boy is locked in a tree house that Esther then lights on fire. Later in hospital we see him with internal bleeding and a neck injury. Esther holds a pillow to the boys face and smothers him until we see that he has stoppped moving and hear a beeping from the medical equipment, signalling that he is no longer breathing.

Esther drops a large rock onto a bird and the viewer hears a crunch and sees blood splat on the snow. A woman is shot in the shoulder and her hand is shown covered in blood. Esther paints pictures of people in pain. One is shown hanging themselves and another with a knife through their head while they stand in a building engulfed in flames. Esther acts violently, throwing things around her room and in another scene kicking and punching the walls of a bathroom stall. Strong language, religious exclamations and name-calling can all be heard in this film.

This is a strong implication that the wife has a drinking problem  and cigarettes are smoked in a few scenes. There are intense and frightening scenes throughout the entire film. The subject matter itself is based upon a 9-year-old girl committing extremely violent and sometimes sexual acts. Even though the plot twist explains that the she is infact a full grown woman, the movie is based around a young child doing horrible things and the shock this creates for the viewers. There are themes of bullying and violence that a sensitive individual may find intense and disturbing.

No one under the age of 18 is permitted to view an 18 film at the cinema or buy and rent one on DVD. 18 films are made for adults and so not suitable for children.  All themes are allowed in an 18 so long as the context is not illegal or harmful.18 movies can contain: very strong violence, frequent strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore and discrimitary language and behaviour.

Pulp Fiction Film Poster

Pulp Fiction is a film in the 18 category. There are scenes of sexual acts and frequent verbal sexual references. There are scenes of nudity but some are brief and not detailed. There is kissing in a few scenes. There is an implied rape but it is completely off screen for the first part. The film has quite a few scenes of violence. Two men are shot in an apartment and some mild amount of blood is shown. A women violently overdoses and the viewer sees blood and mucus pour from her nostrils as vomit leaks from her mouth. Another man is shot as he is leaving a bathroom and blood is visible on his shirt and the bathroom wall. A man purposefully hits another man with his car before he crashes into another and we see a bloody wound on his nose.                                                                                                                                                                      A woman is accidentally shot and screams in agony as she collapses. The viewer sees blood spurt. In another scene three men violently fight in a shop. One of the men is hit on the head with a shotgun and knocked unconscious. You can see a large streak of blood across a mans hand he is attacked by a samurai sword. In one very graphic sequence, a man is shot in the face in a car. Blood splatters over the back window and the two other men in the car attempt to clear up the mess all the while discussing it. However, apart from an execution scene, the violence is mildly visually bloody.                                                                                                                                

Overdose Scene

Drugs and alcohol is present throughout the entire film. Many characters are scene smoking tobacco or marijuana and drinking alcohol. Drug filled bags are seen laying around and a man purchases heroin. A woman is seen snorting cocaine and in another scene a woman violently overdoses. This overdose scene is one of the most intense sequences in the film along with the rape scene.



The BBFC is an important organisation because it allows the audience to have a clear understanding of the appropriateness of the film without having to watch it. This helps them to decide if they think the film will be suitable for themselves or their families so young children are not exposed to content that could cause them harm etc. It tells the potential viewer what they can expect of the film in terms of language, violence, sexual activity and drug or alcohol use. The age ratings give the films clear guidelines to follow this gives the narrative a purpose and target audience as well as ensuring the content produced is completely appropriate.
This research will help me to chose a target audience for my thriller opening sequence. I will not classify my sequence as a U, PG, 12 or 12A because there would be certain themes that are conventional to a thriller film that I would not be able to include due to the guidlnes of them age ratings. Therefore my film should be classified eith a 15 or an 18. I have decided to follow the guidlines of a 15 because they permit the use of strong violence, gore and aggressive behaviour. The narrative for my sequence means I may touch on these aspects.
 the violence in my sequence will not be very strong or sadistic because the infliction of pain would not be dwelled on. There will be no acts of secual violence and no focuse on sexualised or dsadistic threat. Because of this I do not feel that my sequence would need to be rated an age of 18. I will refer back to these guidlines when I am creating my film because it will help me to understand what I will and will not be able to include as well as helping me make sure what I create will be appropriate for my target audience.