Film censorship

The primary objective of film censorship is to protect children from the harmful effects of horrific, sexual or violent images and ideas. Films classified for children are rarely censored unless images are believed to cause harm to a child. Censor ship is also for protection, it protects the public, a person in the film or the state. In the UK there are several acts of parliament to do with film censorship, the obscene publications Act, the protection of children and the video recordings Act.

In Britain, film censorship began in 1898 it was due to a 90 second assessment of a blue cheese that was taken off air by its maker because of protests from the British cheese making industry. The first ever court case to do with film censorship took place in 1899 because the film was thought to be ‘immoral’, the presenter lost the case. The first film that was ever banned was in 1910 by the London city council. In 1912 the film industry created the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) to try to protect the public, the first rules of BBFC were no nudity and depictions of Christ classifications were Universal and A (Over 16 - not compulsory). In the first year 144 films were cut and 22 banned. Over time violence and nudity and eventually homosexuals were allowed to be shown in films.

‘Happy feet’ is an example of a PG rated film, although not all PG movies are animations, it is not uncommon for them to be, seeing as Pg is mainly targeted at children. ‘Happy feet’ consists mainly of comedy to humor the audience which would predominantly be parents with their young children, ’Happy feet’ ends in a happy way therefore it is suitable for children.

‘Unstoppable’ is an example of a 12A rated film, 12A rated films aren’t necessarily humorous however they do contain moderate threat and infrequent use of strong language.

‘Due date’ is an example of a 15 rated film because it contains mild untidy and a moderate use of strong language, this film is unsuitable for children under 15 because it includes sexual references.

‘Saw 3D’ is an example of a 18 rated film because it has been purposely created for adults to enjoy, the explicit violence and brutality in the film is unsuitable for children, the frequent swearing is also inappropriate for children.

Uc - Universal, Particularly Suitable For Children (Video Releases Only)
U - Universal
PG - Parental Guidance Recommended
12 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 12
15 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 15
18 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 18

 

Universal
A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over .

Theme
Treatment of challenging themes must be sensitive and suitable to a younger audience.
Language- rare use only of mild bad language.
Nudity- Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex-Mild sexual behaviour

Violence- Mild violence only.
Imitable techniques- No emphasis on realistic weapons.
Horror-Horror effects should be mild and brief. The outcome should be comforting.
Drugs-No references to illegal drugs or drug use.

 

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video.
Theme
No theme is forbidden, provided the narrative is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms (eg ‘cunt’) are only rarely acceptable. Continued hostile use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Nudity
There is no ban on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).
Horror
Detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.


No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
The BBFC respects the right of adults to choose their own entertainment, within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely in relation to ‘18’ rated cinema films. In the case of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent.
There are no bans at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content‘PG’ Parental Guidance
unaccompanied children of any age can  watch. A ‘PG’ film should not upset a child aged around eight or older.
Theme
More serious issues may be featured, eg crime, domestic violence, racism (providing nothing in their treatment condones them).
Language-Mild bad language only.
Nudity-Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex-Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and rare. Mild sexual references and innuendo only.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed - if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques-No glamorisation of realistic, contemporary weapons. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques.
HorrorFrightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs No references to illegal drugs or drug use.



Nobody  younger than 12 can see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video.
Theme
Mature themes are allowed, but their treatment must be appropriate for young teenagers.
Language
The use of strong language (eg ‘fuck’) should be rare and must be justified by context.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context will be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied. Sexual references may reflect the familiarity of most adolescents today with sex education through school.
Violence
Violence must not dwell on detail. no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated and without physical detail. Realistic and contemporary weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Sustained threat and menace is permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
Drugs
Brief and occasional references to, and sight of, ‘soft’ drug-taking (eg cannabis) are allowed, but must be justified by context and should point out the dangers. No instructional elements are permitted.

• any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use
• the more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be exceptionally justified by context