The BBFC is the organisation that rates films. Films are often produced to meet a target audience. The ratings for these films are Uc (Universal Preschool), U (Univeral), PG (Parental Guidence), 12/12A (Persons 12 or older), 15 (Persons aged 15 or over), 18 (Persons aged 18 or over) or R18 (Persons ages 18 or older, restricted release due to graphic, often sexual, content). These ratings are usually given based on certain criteria such as theme, language (often how vulgar it is), sex, violence, horror and drugs.
Uc/U – The universal ratings are given to family friendly films, which implies little violence, sex, drugs or any other theme, which could be considered unsettling for younger audiences. Uc is applied to films, which are considered suitable for preschool children.
PG – Parental guidance is a rating given to films which contains scenes that may be upsetting to small children. There must only be implied innuendo and a small amount of natural non-sexual nudity. Horror should not be intense or prolonged. The film must not glamorise or show any techniques, which children may attempt to copy that could be dangerous.
12A/12 – Strong language is allowed but must be infrequent. Violence may be shown but not dwell on pain or injuries. Nudity is allowed in a sexual context if it is brief. Imitable techniques must not be glamorised by being shown harmless (Such as combat).
15 – Drug use can be shown but cannot promote the misuse of drugs. Strong language is acceptable so long as it is used in correct the context. Sex may be portrayed so long as it does not go into great detail. Nudity is allowed in an educational manner or briefly in a sexual manner.
18 – The 18 rating does not have any limits on suitable content. An 18 film can be any type of genre. An 18 film may show violence and sex so long as it can be justified.
