The BBFC

The BBFC is charged with judging what rating new films and games should be, who should view them and what content they include etc. Before new films are released to the general public, they are submitted to the BBFC who view them and rate them. The films are then submitted back and then released under the appropriate rating.

The grades of classification

U- A film for children of any age. These films never have any kind of violence or sadistic themes, however all children are different and some things will upset children that wouldn’t upset others, which makes it hard to predict.

PG- A film that is still for young children, however the themes may be a little more adult, with some small portions of violence and possibly upsetting scenes. These films should not disturb a child aged 8 or over, however any under this age will need parental guidance.

12A/12- The A stands for accompanied and advisory, it also means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult, who must watch the film with them. These films may have scenes of violence or mild sexual nature or bad language.

15- No one under 15 may see these films. They can contain quite strong scens of violence, sexual nature and bad language as well as upsetting themes.

18- This is the highest grade a film can be rated. No one under 18 may see an 18 rated film. These films can contain very strong elements of violence, sex and bad language, as well as using high fear factors and upsetting plot elements.

Case study-Reservoir dogs

Reservoir dogs was received with a considerable amount of excitement because of it’s positive reviews from various film festivals, with its iconic mix of dark comedy, pop references and sadistic violence. The film was a big hit with Tarantino fans.

Some views were expressed that its rather gruesome and sadistic nature would cause some people to walk out of the film. It was also noted that Mr Blonde’s evident enjoyment of what he is doing as he dances around the helpless victim to the strains of 'Stuck In The Middle With You' coming from the radio, glamorised the sadism.

It was mainly because of the violence as well as the near constant swearing and sexual references, that the film was not surprisingly at the time given an 18 certificate.

Game-God of War 2

A sequel to the first God of War and  new twist on the ancient greek legends of their many deities, this game was given an 18 certificate, because of the strong violence and sexual images used in game play. Considered one of the bloodiest and most violent games on the market at present time, it is not surprising that this game was given the 18 certificate.