BBFC

What is BBFC?
BBFC stands for British Board of Film Clasification, it has been around since 1912, they are a non-goverment organisation in which classify cinema films then videos since passing the Video Recording Acts in 1984.
Although BBFC have alot of power of classification of films there are council members who occasionally over rule the choices made by the BBFC.

15 Certificate
Suitable for only 15 years and over, no one younger may see a 15 rated film or rent or buy a 15 rated film. There may be strong violence however the film is unlikely to have pain inflicting scenes and gory scenes. Vague sexual nudity is allowed and non-sexual nudity however strong sexual scenes are prohibited. It is unlikely that a 15 rated film will have constant use of the strongest language, however strong language may be used throughout the film. Dangerous behaviour like suicide and hanging is only allowed to be vague and weapons like guns are not allowed to be seen as glamourous. Minor horror is allowed like a threat however if it is sexual it is prohibited. Drug use can be included in the film however not promoted or glamourised. No discrimination will be acceptable this means language and behaviour.

18 Certificate
No one younger than 18 may see, rent or buy an 18 rated film. When a film is at certificate it can show almost anything, however the film can be banned in some cases such as; if the film is on the breach of criminal law and has commited a criminal offence whilst making the film. Serious violence or sexual violence, serious drug use, if these aspects can affect the viewer or their morals then the film could be at risk of banning.

There is also a certificate called R18, this is mostly seen in USA, this is mostly used for pornographic films, films rated R18 can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas and sold in licensed sex shops to no one under the age of 18.

To produce this post I used the BBFC official website; http://www.bbfc.co.uk/general/index.php