Why do we have age ratings?
Age ratings are used by the BBFC to classify movies into categories according to age. They decide which age group should be watching what movie.
U- Universal
The U rating means that the movie has been classified "Suitable for All", meaning that any person from 4 years can see it, although parents can determine what their child sees. There will be minimal violence, if any, minimal bad language, no reference to drugs or discriminatory content unless its strongly condemned. The movies passed at this rating are normally aimed towards children anyways.
PG- Parental Guidence
The PG rating means that movies are suitable for viewing, but may be unsuitable for younger viewers. Children over the age of 8 will generally not be upset by some scenes. There will be mild violence scenes, infrequent bad language and minimal reference to drugs and/ or sex, Although parents can determine what their child sees
12/12A- Twelve years and over
The 12/12A rating means that no-one under 12 years can view this movie. If a movie is rated 12A, children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home for example, so the DVD release has a rating of 12. Some 12A rated films tackle darker subjects, although it's important to note the overall tone of the film. Moderate violence is allowed at 12A, however it shouldn't dwell too much on detail, otherwise the film will be passed at a higher rating. Moderate language is allowed, often in puns, and some sexual scenes may be briefly portrayed, but will only be suitable for younger teenagers. Some moderate horror films can be passed at 12A, as long as moderate psychological or physical threat is not to frequent
15- Fifteen years and over
The 15 rating means that no-one under 15 may see or buy a 15 rated film 15 rated films aren't suitable for anyone under 15 years. No themes are prohibited, provided that it's suitable for 15 year olds. There will e strong language, strong references to sex, discriminatory language, strong violence, and drug taking, and generally no upper limit as to what can be explored. Most horror films will be passed at 15, however, there won't be prolonged or aggressive scenes or sexual threat, as that usually falls into the 18 rating.
18- Eighteen and over
The 18 rating means that this movie is for adults. No-one under the age of 18 may see or buy 18 rated films. No 18 rated films are suitable for children. They will contain strong issues, and there will be very strong violence, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, discriminatory language and very strong language. Only the mos extreme horror films are passed here, with prolonged and sustained horror scenes of blood and gore and physical threat, as there's no upper limit.
Based on our own research, we assumed that our film opening may be rated 15, as it does contain blood and gore. We also conducted- a survey as to what others would rate our film opening and why, you can view it here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JQCMKVW
