Public Servant Lifestyle

A guide to theatrical/home video film ratings and classifications in UK:

U - Universal Classification. Suitable for all ages. Most usually denotes a 'family' feature film.

PG - Declared by the British Board of Film Classification (bbfc) as a film subject to 'Parental Guidance'. This is a subject that can be regarded as 'general viewing' for the vast majority of audience ages, however some scenes may be regarded as unsuitable for children - therefore the film should be subject to parental supervision, if possible ahead of a screening for young children.

12A – A 12A certificate feature is only regarded as being suitable for those aged twelve years and over. In the UK no person below this age may be permitted to see such a film, unless accompanied by a responsible adult. This rule applies to home video and DVD also - nobody under the age of twelve years may purchase or rent a film that has been awarded this rating. According to the bbfc "Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult".

15 – A 15 certificate feature is only regarded as being suitable for those aged fifteen years and over. In the UK no person below this age may be permitted to see such a film, unless accompanied by a responsible adult. This rule applies to home video and DVD also - nobody under the age of fifteen years may purchase or rent a film that has been awarded this rating.

18 – An 18 certificate feature is only regarded as being suitable for adults - that is those who are eighteen years and over. In the UK no person below this age may be permitted to see such a film. This rule applies to home video and DVD also - nobody under the age of eighteen years may purchase or rent a film that has been awarded this rating and it regarded as the responsibility of those over that age to ensure that noone under the age of 18 be shown a home video or DVD of such a title.

E - Exempt from classification. In the UK this only really applies to home video and DVD release - and most often occurs in the field of music video and concert films. Generally suitable for all - but parents and gaurdians should be aware that the lyrics and stage antics of some performers may place some such material in the realms of other (higher) ratings than the implied 'U' classification.

R18 - 'Restricted 18'. A special classification which deals exclusively with pornographic material, classified to only be shown bespoke licensed cinemas, or to be supplied as home viewing materila only in licensed sex shops. Such films on VHS and DVD can only legally be supplied to those over the age of eighteen, on the understanding that it is the responsibility of those over that age to ensure that noone under the age of 18 be shown a home video or DVD of such a title.

R/I - A classic feature, subject to re-issue. Films in this category are often limited to arthouses, festival or other special screenings, such as at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) or The British Film Institute (bfi).

See also on Lifestyle:

More information available in Film, DVD / Home Video, Home Electric