U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Happy Feet 2 and Arthur Christmas and Puss in Boots.
PG stands for 'Parental Guidance', which means that some parts of the film might not be ideal for younger children. Parents ought to think carefully before letting them watch. An examples of a PG films is The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret
of the Unicorn.
12 is now only ever seen on videos and DVDs. As with the 12A, it tells parents that the content is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Examples, both of which were certified 12A for cinema, include Iron Man 2 and Avatar.
12A is only for films released at the cinema. It tells parents that the film is best suited for those aged 12 and above. Parents can take along under 12s if they choose, so long as they go with them! Examples include Twilight - Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and Real
Steel.
15 means that the film, video or DVD is really only suitable for those aged 15 or above. Only people aged 15 or older are allowed to view a 15 rated film at the cinema or buy or rent a 15 rated DVD, video or game.
18 means that the film, video or DVD is only suitable for adults (people aged eighteen or over). Only adults are allowed to view an 18 rated film at the cinema or rent or buy an 18 rated video, DVD or game.
cbbfc Film File
This is where you can find reviews of your favourite films (U, PG, 12A/12). They are written by kids and range from recent blockbusters to films that were released before your parents were even born!
Thank you so much to all the kids who have sent in reviews over the years. CBBFC is undergoing some changes so we won't publish any more reviews.