Their tag-line is "film ratings you can trust" this is because they provide the public with knowledge regarding the movies contents since each rating has a set of characteristics that a film needs to have in order to full under that category. This informs parents and give them more power to make the right decisions when choosing what film to show their children.
Universal – Suitable for all
In order for a film to be rated U (Universal) it must contain the following characteristics:
-The movie scenes should not display any discriminatory behaviour towards characters. However it can be accepted, if it is being used to show that discrimination is wrong and that can be clearly seen by the child.
-Scenes that contain references to illegal drug abuse are not accepted unless they are harmless and infrequent. They can also be used for educational purposes.
-Scary scenes that risk causing unnecessary anxiety to children are not allowed. Therefore they must be mild and brief.
-The film should not contain any negative or unsafe behaviour that could be imitated by young children. (e.g easily accessible weapons.)
-The language used should only contain mild swearing which is rarely used.
-Natural nudity may be used infrequently, but with no sexual context.
-Only mild sexual behaviour (e.g kissing) and references (e.g making out) is acceptable.
-The problematic themes can be included into the movie. However the way the issue is dealt with should be sensible and suitable to the younger audience.
-Minimum violence only, but it must be in the form of small threats and danger.
It is important for the film to meet all of the above in order to minimise the chances of children (4 years and other) who watch the movie from becoming upset and from the movie having a negative effect on the these children. Overall the film should have a positive moral storyline and offer the child reassurance to any kind of threat faced by the characters.
PG-Parental Guidance
PG refers to films which can be viewed by the general public including children aged 8 and over. However parents are still advised to consider whether the issues rose can upset their younger children.
A PG film must meet the following requirements:
-The film must not contain scenes discriminatory behaviour towards characters especially if the children are able to readily identify. However it can be accepted, if it is being used to show that discrimination unacceptable or within a historical context.
-Harmless references to illegal drugs can only be accepted if its purpose is to carry an anti-drug message.
-Scenes which contain frightening content must remain relatively short. These scenes can be justified with the use of fantasy settings.
-There should be limited detail to potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy.
-Violent scenes should not contain references to potential weapons which can be easily accessed. These scenes should also only contain moderate violence, but it must be justified by its context (e.g history, comedy).
-The language used should only contain mild swearing.
-Natural nudity is acceptable, but with no sexual context.
-Sexual activity should be discreet and infrequent.
-If film features more serious themes such as domestic violence nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.
12-Suitable for 12 years and over
Films that are classified as ‘12A’can only be viewed by those aged 12 and above. This is because the movie’s content may include material which parents might find unsuitable for the younger viewers. However Children under 12 are still able to watch the movie if they area companied by an adult, in this case the adult is responsible for judging whether the film is suitable for that child.
A 12A film most have the following characteristics:
-The film may contain discriminatory behaviour. However it cannot be approved by the film as a whole. In cases where that behaviour is aggressive, it must be clearly condemned.
-Scenes containing drug misuse should be uncommon and with no instructional detail.
-Frightening scenes can offer a reasonable amount of physical and psychological threat. However disturbing scenes should be infrequent and relatively short.
-Scenes containing dangerous behaviour which can be copied by the public, such as self-harming and suicide should be short and not provide too much detail. These scenes cannot show these issues as harm free and painless. Weapons that can be easily accessed should not be glamorised.
-The language used can include moderate swearing, but strong language must be infrequent.
-Scenes where nudity is used in a sexual context should be brief and discreet. References to this type of behaviour should be suitable for young teenagers.
-The film can include mature themes; however the way these issues are dealt with should be suitable for younger teenagers.
-The film can include moderate violence however these scenes should not dwell on detail. Gory moments can be included if justified by its context. However there should not be an exaggerated use of blood and focus on injuries suffered by characters. Sexual violence can only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated with strong contextual justification.
15-Suitable only for 15 years and over
If a film is rated 15 it can only be viewed and rented by those who are older than 15.
A 15 rated film must have the following features:
-If the film contains discriminatory behaviour, it should not support that type of behaviour over all.
-Scenes where drugs are being taken are acceptable however they must not promote or support the misuse of drugs. On the other hand misuses of dangerous substances such as aerosols or solvents are unlikely to be accepted.
-Scenes containing dangerous behaviour which can be copied by the public 9e.g hanging,suicide) should be short and not provide too much detail. These scenes cannot show these issues as harm free and painless. Weapons that can be easily accessed should not be glamorised.
-The film can contain frequent use of strong language. (e.g fuck) However the stronger terms such as ‘cunt’ can only be used if justified by its context, if they are repeatedly used then they are unlikely to be accepted.
-Sexual activity can be included but without strong detail. Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour are unlikely to be accepted.
-There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
-The film can cover any type of theme as long as they are treated in a way which is suitable to 15 year olds.
-The film can contain strong violent scenes; however these should not focus on the infliction of pain or injury. Sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
Horror sequences can include strong threat and menace, but they must not be sadistic or sexualised.
