Between a U rating and an R18 rating is PG, 12A,12,15 and 18. A PG classification is for films appropriate for children eight and up. However, a PG film can be viewed by any child with parental accompaniment, but parent should understand the film's contents may upset younger children. The film Rocketman, is a film that has a PG classification, but cuts where required to receive the films current classification. After the PG certification is the 12A and 12 classifications. When a film has a 12A certification it means that the film can not be viewed by anyone under that age of 12 unless they are accompanied by an adult. A current film with a 12A certification is Man of the Year. The film was given a 12A certification because of the language used and the film's sexual references. The 12 classification is placed on videos and DVDs not suitable for anyone under 12. The Spiderman films have 12 ratings on video but had a 12A rating when it was released in theaters. The films received these ratings because of the films' moderate violence. Following the 12 ratings is the 15 rating, the 15 rating is for film not suitable for anyone under the age of 15. A film with a 15 rating is Ali G Indahouse: The Movie. Ali G was given a 15 rating because of the strong language, strong sexual references and the strong drug references. After the 15 rating is the 18 rating. If a film has an 18 classification then no one under 18 can see the film in the cinema, rent the film or buy the film. A movie with an 18 classification is 28 weeks later. The film received the 18 classification because of the strong bloody violence and gore seen in the film. The BBFC also has the ability to ban films completely, which should never happen. If a film maker intended the film to be graphic sexually or violently then the film should be allowed but with a specific certification of 18, R18 or the BBFC and film makers should agree on a new classification (BBFC, 2007).
The BBFC is the classifier of films in the UK, but the role that the BBFC plays in censoring films is wrong. The censoring of film should be the role of the film maker, while parents of children should then monitor what there children watch. The BBFC's regulations of classifications of films are good and should continue be used by film makers to produce appropriate films for certain age groups. The guidelines for each classification need to be elaborated fully to make sure film maker and the general public know what needs or will be in films when the film is released in cinemas. The classification system could be elaborated by giving film makers and the general public surveys pertaining to appropriate material for each age group. This elaboration will eliminate the censoring of film and will allow the art of film making to be free of censoring. Without the threat of censorship the film industry will flourish in new and exciting ways.
