The purpose of Film Classification- besides basic assessments of films, is to make sure that they don't contain any material judged as unsuitable for that age group. Their job is to classify and sort films into particular categories to provide an advanced warning of what targeted audiences should expect to see, in terms of themes for particular age groups.
There are currently seven official classifications in which films are placed. This has altered over the last couple of decades to encompass the differing themes that are now accepted for cinema release.
U- stands for Universal, meaning it is suitable for all aged viewers.
Discrimination- Such language or behaviour is unlikely to see in these films. Drugs- Such references would only have clear educational motive/messages for young children to learn from.
Imitable Behaviour- Possibly dangerous in which such behaviour should not copy, no focus on easily accessible weapons are used.
Language- Only mild bad language used.
Nudity- Seen occasionally, with no depth in context.
Sex- Once again mild actions, such as kissing.
Threat- Scenes which could be discomforting would be mild and brief. The outcome should be encouraging.
Violence- Again, very mild. Such scenes would be unrealistic and comedic.
PG- stands for Parental Guidance, meaning parents are advised to watch with children normally around and under 5 years.
Discrimination- Language and behaviour is not really acceptable unless disapproved, in order to support education or life lessons. Discrimination again character is unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs- References to illegal substances or misuse must be innocent or carry subtle messages.
Imitable Behaviour- Little detail used for dangerous behaviour, to prevent children from copying. Unauthorised weapon use should not be seen; no focus on anti-social behaviour either.
Language- Mild bad language only. Frequent use may result in film becoming passed into a higher category.
Nudity- May be seen, without sexual context (innuendo's only). Sexual activity should be discreet if implied.
Threat- Scenes of danger should not be enormous or prolonged.
Violence- Will still be mild. To an extent violence can be seen, but without detail. Fantasy or comedic violence is typically seen here.
12 and 12A- Suitable for 12 year olds and over.
Discrimination- Discriminatory language must not be supported in work overall, and aggressive language or behaviour should be seen as unacceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs- Drug misuse must be rare and not elevated.
Imitable Behaviour- Should not be positively promoted, to avoid children copying. realistic weapons such as knifes should not be glamorised, alongside with no anti-social behaviour.
Language- Moderate language may be seen, however strong language may be permitted, dependent on its context and character.
Nudity- Nudity is authorised, sexual context must be discreet.
Sex- Such activities may be portrayed. References are permitted, however frequent references are unlikely to be seen/authorised.
Threat- Potentially moderate physical/physiological threat scenes, although some could be seen as inappropriate, overall it should not be.
Violence- Will be seen, however not in complete detail. No highlights on injury or fatal damage, however it can be seen if justified. Sexual violence is only to be slightly indicated, yet again justified by context.
15- Suitable for children aged 15 and over.
Discrimination- Should not be seen to endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, yet such themes such as: homophobia, racism or others are seen.
Drugs- Use of such substances may be seen, however must not be promoted. The misuse of highly frightening substances is not acceptable (e.g Solvents).
Imitable Behaviour- Hard-hitting activities (such as self harm) should not be covered in precise detail. Glorifying easily acceptable weapons will depend on the work's context.
Language- Highly strong language may be permitted, depending on the context and character.
Nudity- Limited constraints on nudity as a whole are seen. Possible nudity in sexual context, however without sufficient detail.
Sex- Such activities may be seen, but without strong details. Verbal references could be portrayed, however the strongest sort is unlikely to be seen unless justified appropriately.
Threat- Strong threat and horror are permitted, however a prolonged focus on sexual threat is unlikely.
Violence- May be strong, but should once again not be shown in detail. The strongest types are unlikely to be seen, yet verbal references to sexual violence must be discreet and then justified.
18- Suitable for adults only.
Viewers younger than this age may not see, buy or rent such films.
However exceptions are made for these works too:
1. When such works is within criminal law, or has been designed based on commissions of a criminal offence.
2. Where works connote danger or risk to a person through behaviour. Such risk includes: detailed portrayal or violence, or illegal drug misuse which could potentially cause danger to viewers health or morality. Other portrayals of sexual violence, especially enjoyment of such activities should not be dwelled upon.
3. Where explicit images of sex context are seen, where the complete purpose of such images (or videos) is to cause sexual arousal, which may be accessible to younger viewers. Such intervention may be frequent more than for cinema's.
Sex Education at 18:
Sex Works at 18:
Explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted for educational purposes. Such purposes include safer sex, health and morality.
Such works only purpose is to serve sexual stimulation. These works that contain sex material are passed for over 18 viewers, as strong: images of sex, explicit videos, or real sex situations will be confined to the R18 category. If the material is unacceptable at the R18 category, it will definitely be unacceptable for the 18 classification.
R18- Stands for Restricted 18. These are very uncommon so therefore are only shown in specially licensed cinema's, sex shops, and are obviously on for adults.
This category is a special classification for explicit work, which contains sex or strong adult material. Such films are only shown in specially licensed cinemas, and can only be purchased in specially licensed sex shops.
R18 work is filtered from public searches, as they will have explicit or offensive tittles throughout. Such details will only appear if a computer or search engine has enabled 'enable adult content'.
