Film Classification
The BBFC stand for The British Board Film Classification.
They are a highly experienced regulator of film who serve a function in society which is to advise and protect the young viewers as to what is appropriate for their age range. The BBFC provide the public with advice, information and guidelines that empowers them to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves and also parents to protect those in their care and the younger viewer. Furthermore they protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content for certain age groups as they may find certain images discomforting,whilst also respecting adult freedom of choice.
'U' ratings should be suitable for aged four and above, they should be set within positive moral framework and there should be reassuring counterbalances towards any violence or horror.
Parental Guidance rated films may be unsuitable for some children but should not disturb children aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger children.
The material is suitable for 12 years and older and these categories may upset children under the age of 12 or parents may find footage unsuitable for younger viewers. The rating '12A' only occurs at a cinema where a child needs to be accompanied by an adult. No one under the age of '12' may rent or buy a DVD.
No one under the age of 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. '15' films contain strong language and sexual references.
No one under the age of 18 may see a '18' film in the cinema or rent or buy any '18' rated work. '18' Rated films contains more violent scenes.
The 'R18' category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit images consenting sex and involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas and also only supplied in specially licensed sex shops. There are some content which is not acceptable: rape, pedophilia, strong physical or verbal abuse.People argue whether adults should be free to choose what films they watch or not, however the BBFC believe that adults should not have a free choice for these reasons:
- If explicit images of sexual content or activity which can not be justified by context are incorporated.
- If material appears to risk harm to individuals through behaviour, or incourages the behaviour that is happening e.g sexual assault, suicide...
- If the material has broken the law during filming/ when it is distributed.
However I believe that any person aged 18 or older should have the right to watch what they wish as I believe they are mature enough to not be incouraged by any explicit/violent scenes they will experience whilst viewing the film. Consequently, if they are effected psychologically or physically in any way after watching the film it is down to them and no one else.
Back in 2002 before The Spiderman movie was released it had to be cut several times so it was suitable enough for a '12A' rating. However people still complained that it still wasn't suitable enough for that age group and should have been rated a higher certificate as it was too violent for 12A viewers. To be rated a 12A the film would have only moderate violence as long as it is sustained, taking this into consideration Spiderman doesn't do this. The audience are exposed to a 4 minute long fighting scene with violence throughout which could mean that the younger viewer could be incouraged by this and maybe even imitate some of the things that the characters do as they idolise super heroes therefore may come to a conclusion they are doing nothing wrong.
However the Spiderman film is fiction and the main protagonist is a superhero which is unrealistic, and so are the iconography and weapons which are used in this fighting scene as they do not use the stereotypical weapons (i.e knives, guns...) so the children will be unfamiliar with what they are using and therefore won't be inspired by what is going on. Therefore the children will be able to watch this scene without copying them and end up potentially in danger.
Following from my last point both Spiderman and the antagonist use weapons in the fighting scene and there is a huge dramatic effect by using them. This could be dangerous for the children as these weapons are almost glamourised by the characters and as children idolise their favourite superheroes could easily pick up a weapon and cause harm to someone even though they think they aren't doing anything wrong as they've watched their idol do so. This could also increase their chance of being violent in the future as they've been exposed to it at such a young age.
On the other hand Spiderman could get away with being appropriate as a 12A certificate as the viewers maybe too young to even pay close attention to the fighting scenes therefore may not get any inspirations as such of what is happening and would just sit and enjoy the film and not realize how violent it actually is. Secondly, during the fighting scene the blood and injuries aren't emphasised therefore aren't scaring the children but there are some occasional gory moments which justifies the scene perfectly therefore the children aren't shocked by the fighting that is happening.
Our Thriller opening is going to be rated 15 as it will contain more of a shock and suspense within the audience rather then show violence and gore. I will be able to use strong language, I will also be able to contain violent behaviour as long as it doesn't focus too much on the detail as then it would lean towards a rated 18 certificate. I could also use strong threat as long as it isn't detailed.
Back in 2002 before The Spiderman movie was released it had to be cut several times so it was suitable enough for a '12A' rating. However people still complained that it still wasn't suitable enough for that age group and should have been rated a higher certificate as it was too violent for 12A viewers. To be rated a 12A the film would have only moderate violence as long as it is sustained, taking this into consideration Spiderman doesn't do this. The audience are exposed to a 4 minute long fighting scene with violence throughout which could mean that the younger viewer could be incouraged by this and maybe even imitate some of the things that the characters do as they idolise super heroes therefore may come to a conclusion they are doing nothing wrong.
However the Spiderman film is fiction and the main protagonist is a superhero which is unrealistic, and so are the iconography and weapons which are used in this fighting scene as they do not use the stereotypical weapons (i.e knives, guns...) so the children will be unfamiliar with what they are using and therefore won't be inspired by what is going on. Therefore the children will be able to watch this scene without copying them and end up potentially in danger.
Following from my last point both Spiderman and the antagonist use weapons in the fighting scene and there is a huge dramatic effect by using them. This could be dangerous for the children as these weapons are almost glamourised by the characters and as children idolise their favourite superheroes could easily pick up a weapon and cause harm to someone even though they think they aren't doing anything wrong as they've watched their idol do so. This could also increase their chance of being violent in the future as they've been exposed to it at such a young age.
On the other hand Spiderman could get away with being appropriate as a 12A certificate as the viewers maybe too young to even pay close attention to the fighting scenes therefore may not get any inspirations as such of what is happening and would just sit and enjoy the film and not realize how violent it actually is. Secondly, during the fighting scene the blood and injuries aren't emphasised therefore aren't scaring the children but there are some occasional gory moments which justifies the scene perfectly therefore the children aren't shocked by the fighting that is happening.
Our Thriller opening is going to be rated 15 as it will contain more of a shock and suspense within the audience rather then show violence and gore. I will be able to use strong language, I will also be able to contain violent behaviour as long as it doesn't focus too much on the detail as then it would lean towards a rated 18 certificate. I could also use strong threat as long as it isn't detailed.
Daniella this is an excellent blog. Thorough knowledge of the BBFC and what they do, as well as insightful comments that explore the Spiderman classification debate. I really like that you have included your own opinion. Well done for linking this to your opening too. This could be explored further however, justifying the classification a little more whilst linking it to thriller genre conventions.
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