Deconstruction: Age Rating

Deconstruction: Age rating
Using the BBFC will help determine the age rating of our film which protect viewers from inappropriate content in film and label the psychographics of the target audience. The BBFC is a non governmental/profit organisation.


U stands for universal meaning that any person over the age of four can watch it. The factors of a U are that the film has a reassuring tone throughout. This is shown through violence, for example where scenes of distress are short lasted and has a positive outcome i.e ending with a happy ending. Even though conventions, such as weapons are allowed in universal films no emphasis should be put on them however drugs are very rarely used unless exceptions of an anti drug campaign to children.


Parental guidance films applies both to children and adults. It cannot upset children of eight and over and cannot show inappropriate content to children. Examples would be a mild form of bad language but subjective based on the way it is spoken. Inappropriate demonstrations such as sexual content and violence is rare and must lack detail and made so footage isn't too explicit. Although some jump scares are allowed the focus should be brought away from this and horror/thriller moments should not be prolonged. And finally drug use is allowed but must not be shown as the main focus.

Strong language is allowed at 12/12A age rated films but it shouldn't be frequent and it is subjective based on the way is it used. Sexual content is genuinely more accepted but is brief and discreet but not prolonged in any scene. Gore and action is also more leniently displayed with occasional uses of blood and gore but shouldn't be prolonged and lacks detail. Action based long fight scenes are allowed but weapons should not be what young teenagers can use, such as knives but sexual violence should be minimal. Anti-social behaviour and drug taking is also allowed but should not be prolong and not the focus in the film.

 Frequent use of strong violence is allowed. Discrimination is also allowed but within limits. Prolonged sex scenes are approved of but no strong detail but strong sexual references and behaviour are allowed. Violence and gore is allowed but must not dwell on infliction or torture. The same is allowed for sexual assault but footage must be minimal. The use of drug taking is allowed but shown in a way not to promote drug use, however easily accessible dangerous drugs are rarely used in films. Also, the references to dangerous behaviour is allowed but not in detail or prolonged.

 There is no limit on the use of strong language and discrimination is allowed but not as the main focus. Detailed portrayals of sexual content is approved of with the likes of strong sexual references or behaviour. Strong detailed violence with the inclusion of blood and gore are allowed in detail but drug taking can only be allowed if shown in a way where it doesn't promote it. Dangerous behaviour is also allowed but must not be prolonged as it could be cut out the film if linked with criminal activity or bringing harm to the audience if they can copy it.