Film Certificates

Film certificates are used to stop certain age groups from being exposed to certain scenes that they feel are unacceptable to be seen by them. These certificates are given by the British Broadcast of Film Classification (BBFC), who are an independent company who regulate all films and video games released in the UK. 

 U

U stands for Universal films, which is suitable for all ages (mainly 4 and over to understand the plot) this means that they restrict any violence, substance abuse, language and threat which could offend that child. The films also follow a theme of positive moral values, e.g. educations, being polite etc. 

PG

This stand for Parental Guidance which allows general viewing however, there may be some scenes which are unsuitable for young children. Parents are advised to view the film before allowing their children to watch it. 

12

Recommended for 12 years and older. Nobody younger than 12 may rent or buy a '12' rated video. (Until 31 August 2002, this mandatory certificate used to apply to cinema exhibitions as well).

12A

Recommended for 12 years and older, people under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Exclusively for cinema, '12A' was first implemented on The Bourne Identity and, contrary to popular belief, not on Spider-Man, which was first released months before, under the previously fully restrictive 12 certificate, and then immediately re-released to take advantage of the new guidelines).

15

Suitable only for 15 years and older. Nobody younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. Nobody younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video (these films may contain offensive or emotionally harrowing scenes or strong language and violence).

18

Suitable only for adults. Nobody younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema. Nobody younger than 18 may rent or buy an '18' rated video (These films may contain extreme gore/violence and/or sexually explicit content).

R18 - Restricted

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults that are older than 18 years old. (These films contain sexually explicit, pornographic content.)