AS Media: Classification Category Research

Film Classification Categories

Ratings:

U (Universal)- all ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.

PG (Parental Guidance) - all ages are admitted but certain scenes might be unsuitable for children. They might contain mild language and sex/drugs references. Also, it may contain moderate violence if justified by context.

12A - Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for young children. Cinemas in the United Kingdom are only permitted to supply tickets to see a 12A film to children under the age of 12 if they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. However, it is unlikely to be suitable for children under the age of 12. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate language, moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Use of strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification. Sexual violence may be implied or briefly indicated.

12 - Suitable for people aged 12 and older. It is illegal to supply a video work with a 12 certificate to anyone under that age. 12-A rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. The content guidelines are identical to those used for the 12A certificate.

15 - Suitable only for people aged 15 and older. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. It is illegal to supply a video work with a 15 certificate to anyone under that age. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, (frequent) strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Use of very strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification.

18 - Suitable only for people aged 18 or older, which means adults only. No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. It is illegal to supply a video work with an 18 certificate to anyone under that age. Films under this category do not have limitation on the foul language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticism or excessively graphic, in which a work will require compulsory cuts where possible.

Restricted 18 - Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops. To be supplied only to adults, and it is illegal to supply a film with this rating by mail order. Works under this category always contain hard-core pornography, defined as material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity, strong fetish material, explicit animated images, or sight of certain acts such as triple simultaneous penetration and snowballing.

Some U-rated films include:

These two films are U rated as they are animated and wouldn't include anything which would be unsuitable for children.

PG rated films:

Image result for pg rated films

Both of these films are PG rated as they may include some things which could be unsuitable for children.It is under the parents discretion whether their children see this film with them.

12A films:

These films include elements (including violence and mild language) which are unsuitable for young children. It is recommend that anyone under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult over 18.