There are 6 main categories that films are grouped into U, PG, 12 and 12A. 15, and 18. They all are very different and have different characteristics, for example a:
U - The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. It will involve no sever bad language but some minimal language such as 'hell' because it is aimed at young children. Also there will be no sexual activity apart from cuddling and kissing between characters, also violence is permitted within U films to a certain point for example in the film 'Peter Pan' there is a scene violence but not blood is evident.
PG - PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. There would be more mature images about sexual content within the film itself because the children can understand the content. Also words such as 'Bitch' are used. The behaviour cannot be to unrealistic because the children may get influenced by it and copy it. For example if a boy jumped off a bridge and survived the children may think that they will survive and will be convinced to try it. So the behaviour has to be strict.
12 and 12A - 12A means that if you are aged 12+ then you can go into the film without someone aged 18+. Although if you are lower than 12 than you must be accompanied by an adult, the A in 12A relates to 'accompanied'. The differences between the two are that 12A is only used in a cinema environment, whereas a 12 is used in videos DVDs and Blue Rays. There could be some strong language but not used frequently because it would no longer be classed as a 12 or 12A. Violence within this age group should be evident but shouldn't be put in detail, and there should be no emphasis on blood. For example 'Iron man 3' falls into the 12A classification as there is evidence of violence and infrequent use of bad language. There is proof of this in the scene when Iron man is fighting for survival and blood is seen on his face, this scene would add to the age rating as it has signs of blood and distress.
The next age certificate is 15 this is when nobody under the age of 15 is allowed to view the film weather in the cinema or to rent a DVD. The main differences between 12 rated films and 15 are that they have; stronger language and they may be used more frequently. There may also be portrays of sexual activity and references to sex. Another thing which would separate it from the 12 rating would be that it may have discriminatory language or behaviour, and finally there may be scenes involving drug taking. There is usually stronger content within the 15 band because people are considered to be more mature and have a brief understanding about some of the ideas conceived within the film. Horror films can also sometimes fall into this age certificate because they have all of the features needed to fit into this band. An example of a 15 rated horror is ‘conjuring’ mainly because it has evidence of blood and gruesome scenes, which would make it suitable for people aged 15+.
The final age classification is an 18, they are only suitable for people aged no less than 18 because they have strong violence and frequent strong language, real sex and strong blood and gore. There is no cap on the use on strong language within the film because it is up to the viewer’s weather or not they decide to view the film. Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are permitted at 18 so therefore there is no specific cap on the amount of violence or language used in the film. An example of an 18 is Saw V, where there is a strong amount of violence and blood in the film when the characters are fighting for their lives and competing agaonst other humans. Also it exceeds the features of a 15 rated film.
The age certificate in which will
be used in my film will be a 15 rating mainly because there will be evidence of
blood and violence in the film. The film would also be aimed at people aged 15+
because I feel like they would be able to relate to it more, and understand the
themes being conceived. The use of weapons and blood may also make the film classified as a 15, there will not be extensive use of bad language throughout the film but maybe the occasional use bad language to convey different emotions and feelings with the characters.
You have identified the correct age certificates and you have included a definition, but you also need to reference your research.
ReplyDeleteWithin each age certificate, you need to refer to specific examples from films, to show further understanding of the BBFC and their purpose of the film industry.
Finally, read over this post and ensure that you have presented it in the correct format, as some paragraphs are difficult to read.