Post 13: BBFC - Film Rating

The BBFC watch through films and award a age classification based on what they feel would be acceptable. The BBFC look at if the film and classify them in a way that protects the public from harm, a film that is staying within the law and that they’re allowing artistic freedom. They look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. Therefore when deciding on a rating for my film I will make sure I follow the guidelines of the BBFC.

Taking into account the BBFC’s guidelines I would argue that our film we are producing would be a 12A which would allow children under the age of 12 to view the film as long as they’re with a parent or guardian over the age of 18. I decided this due to the use of weapons and violence that may not be appropriate for all to view. Also the use of gangs and rebelling in school could bring in the effects theory as children may start to copy some of the actions that the characters take. Although it may seem that the film shouldn’t be seen by anyone under that age of twelve due to some scenes. However, the use of violence is not brutal and is only implied the audience don’t actually see any violence that may harm them or their child watching but the advanced warning would allow the parents to decide whether or not to take their child to see this film.

Moreover, the film doesn’t glamorise the theme of violence and anti-social behaviour but however creates a moral to participating in them and establishes the consequences of these actions. If the film was immoral and causing harm to the audience then the BBFC would rate it higher for example a 15 or just a 12. That would be if the violence was shown more brutally and possibly due to explicit language that could be used by the characters.