The BBFC and film certificates

The BBFC are a regulatory film board that decides and creates rules which oversee content and age restrictions in film industry. A film must be assigned an age rating before it is released in cinemas or DVD. Although the BBFC make decisions as to whether the content in a film is suitable prior to its release, audiences can complain to the BBFC if they are unhappy with the content of a film. For example, when The Joker was released in 2019, audiences argued that the film should be given an age certificate as it featured many scenes of violence. Sometimes complaints from audiences lead to the BBFC making amendments to their criteria. For instance, after the release of The Woman in Black in 2012 which was given the certificate 12A the BBFC received many complaints which claimed that due to the severely frightening nature of the film, it should be given a more mature age certificate. This led to the BBFC also considering the tone of a film when assigning it an age certificate in the future. 

When assigning a film an age certificate, the BBFC consider several factors. These include levels of both physical and emotional violence (e.g. swearing), language of discrimination, self harm, sex and nudity, self harm, scenes involving dangerous behaviour and scenes which feature drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Additionally, whether a film includes strobe lighting and if there are any scenes involving child actors is also taken into account. Prior to its release, production companies will send a copy of their film to the BBFC for it to be evaluated. In the event that the production company isn't satisfied with the age certificate it has been given, the production company can send in a re-edited version which will go through the same process.

Moreover, the context of a film is also taken into consideration when assigning a film an age certificate. For instance, if the film is set in a fantasy world and/or is animated, it will often be given a much lower age certificate since the BBFC believe that it will be clear to the audience that the events taking place are not real. The BBFC also believe that films set in imagined worlds don't often include violence that results in serious damage. An example of this is Shrek, a U rated film which is pictured below. 

Another element which is examined is the way in which an issue presented in a film is handled. For example, the level of sensitivity shown when handling an issue such as the abuse of drugs might be contemplated when a film is given an age certificate. If the film presents the negative consequences of an issue like drug usage then the age certificate may be lowered. Conversely, if the negative sides of an issue aren't explored, the age certificate will be much higher. This also applies to violence. If the BBFC believe that the violence in a film has been normalised or glamorised, this factor will be considered when categorising a film. Moreover, if the violence fails to lead to any consequences for the character displaying it this will also be taken into account, most likely leading to an increased age certificate. 

Furthermore, the format of a film's release also plays a role in its age certificate. For instance, The Hunger Games was advertised as a 12A for its cinema release and since this age certificate cannot be given to a film in DVD form, the it had to be decided which age certificate (PG, 12 or 15) would be most fitting. It was eventually given an age 15 rating.

For a film to be universal (U), this means it must be suitable for all audiences from the age of four. U films should feature mostly positive themes. Any inclusion of realistic violent behaviour. Any violence or threat should be justified by context, for example if it is included for comedic intent or brings about positive resolutions. Drugs must be used infrequently and if included it must be for educational purposes. Bad language must be mild and limited. In addition, nudity may be included given that there are no sexual implications. 

A film given the certificate Parental Guidance (PG) must be suitable for audiences aged eight years old and older. Usually this means that they should be able to watch the film unaccompanied if the parents consider their child fit to watch the film. Any representation of discrimination should be in a clear historical context. Any frightening scenes should be limited in length. Similarly, any violence must be brief and justified, by its historical context or comedic intent, for example. The same rules for sex and nudity in universal films also apply to PG films. If drugs feature, this must be for educational purposes.

The certificate 12A only applies to films when they are being shown in cinemas. It means that if a child is younger than twelve, they may watch the film in the cinema whilst accompanied by an adult. Films with the 12 certificate may explore more mature themes. However, they are handled in a way that can be understood by a younger audience. All films with the age 12 certificate, shouldn't encourage any dangerous behaviour. The film may feature language that is discriminatory. However, the language should not be promoted and should be used with caution. The abuse of drugs shouldn't be portrayed in a glamorous light. Bad language may be included to a moderate degree, and must be justified by the context and who is speaking. Sexual content and nudity must be mild and limited. Verbal sexual references, as well as references to sexual violence may be included. However, rape may only be alluded to. Scenes of an abusive or sexually violent nature must be depicted negatively. Physical and psychological threat and horror scenes should be infrequent. Violence shouldn't be graphic. 

15 age certificate films should only be purchased, rented and viewed in cinemas by those under the age of 15. Dangerous behaviour should be limited and the use of weapons will only be allowed when there is a suitable context. The extent to which the film seems real should be included. Discriminatory language shouldn't be encouraged but it may be homophobic and racist. The abuse of drugs is permitted but the abuse of easily accessible substances (e.g solvents) should rarely be allowed. Strong language can feature but must be justified by who is speaking and its context. Nudity in any situation may feature but longer scenes must be for comic purposes. Sexual references and activity is permitted but pornographic language is unlikely to be included. Sex should not be a major theme of a film with this age certificate. Sexual violence and threats should not be portrayed in detail. Threat and horror may be include event to a serious degree, however not if the threats are sadistic.  

18 age certificate films should only be purchased, rented and viewed in cinemas by those under the age of 15. Overall, as 18 is the age where one is considered officially an adult, there are almost no limits as to what age 18 films can feature. However, there are a few exceptions to this. Firstly, If the film breaks the or has been created by breaking the law it is not permitted. Additionally, its release also may be banned if the material appears to legitimise violent or harmful behavioural to others or oneself, thus having the potential to taint the audience's morals. Lastly, a film will be categorised as an R18 as opposed to an 18 if it contains drawn out, graphic portrayals of sex. 

According to the BBFC's criteria, I believe that our film would be given an age 15 certificate. This is because it features a crime being committed, with the killing of the female character by the male character. Additionally, the film also involves violence from the man towards the woman, which would immediately elevate the age certificate that it would be given. For example, the man pouring the poisonous substance through the woman's mouth down her throat would definitely be classed is both very violent and abusive. However, the opening as well as the rest of the film wouldn't feature any sex or nudity, alcohol or drug use, or other factors which would determine a more mature age certificate, such as an 18.