Film Certification

Film Certification is a very important factor within the Media sector and is also important for my film piece. Film certification is used to restrict who can see different types of films. There are six main types of film certification, which are each used for different films to restrict certain age groups to watching certain movies. The British Board of Film Classification is responsible for the Certifications of films, which has its own website, which helped me to see how they classified each of the film certifications: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/
Below I have listed the different film certifications and what each of them means.




'U' stands for universal. The certification for this film is open to all ages, mainly aged from 4 years and older. The reason that it is classified as ‘U’ and for all audiences to see is because it is impossible to predict what may upset any particular child. Within a ‘U’ film certificated film there will be no sign of violence or nothing that will upset or offend any child, no discrimination, and no bad language.




PG stands for parental guidance. Any unaccompanied child may see the film, but the film should not disturb the child. Parents are advised to take consideration into whether or not the film may upset younger children. Language may be used, but it must be mild language only. Similarly, violence may be used within the film but not with a lot of detail.




12 and 12A have exactly the same criteria. A 12 rated film may not be seen or brought by any person under the age of 12, however with a 12A if the child is accompanied by an adult who deems the film to be okay. It is then the parent’s responsibility for any circumstances that may occur. Moderate language is allowed within the film and strong language must be kept infrequent. Similarly, violence is allowed, but there must not be a large amount of emphasis on the violence.




Anyone under the age of 15, may not be allowed to see a film in cinema, buy or rent a 15 rated film.




Similarly to a 15 rated film, an 18 rated film may not be seen in cinema, rented or brought on DVD by anyone under the age of 18.




Most R rated films are films containing sex and may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas. R18 films may only be seen by people over the age of 18 and can not be supplied by mail order.