The UK’s Gatekeeper of Film Content
The British Board of Film Classification, universally known as the BBFC, is a non-governmental organization founded in 1912. Its primary role is to classify films, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video-on-demand content to provide the public with information about its content, particularly regarding themes, violence, language, sex, and drug use. The iconic black card displaying the BBFC age rating is a mandatory sight before any film screening in a UK cinema.
The BBFC Rating System
The board’s ratings provide guidance on a film’s suitability for different age groups. The main theatrical ratings are:
| Rating | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| U | Universal | Suitable for all. |
| PG | Parental Guidance | General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. |
| 12A | Suitable for 12 years and over. A child under 12 may see it if accompanied by an adult. | |
| 12 | Suitable for 12 years and over (for home video). | |
| 15 | Suitable for 15 years and over. | |
| 18 | Suitable for 18 years and over. |
In addition to the age rating, the BBFC provides detailed content advice, formerly known as ‘BBFCinsight,’ which explains exactly why a film received a particular rating. This allows parents and viewers to make more informed decisions about what they watch. While the board has the power to suggest or require cuts to a film to achieve a lower rating, outright banning of a film is now extremely rare.