U stands for 'Universal', meaning the film, video or DVD is suitable for anyone. Examples include Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang and The Princess & the Frog.
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. Examples of PG films are How to Train Your Dragon and Tooth Fairy.
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 Iron Man 2 and Avatar.
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.
BBFC U ratingBBFC PG ratingBBFC 12A ratingBBFC 12 ratingBBFC 15 ratingBBFC 18 rating

Home | Reception | Viewing Room | News Room | Film File | How to use this site

cbbfc Film File

This is where you can find reviews of your favourite films (U, PG, 12A/12). They range from recent blockbusters to films that were released before your parents were even born!

Win a cbbfc goodie and other prizes by adding your own reviews to the Film File – just click here.

To read a review of a film shown below, just click on the film's title. If you can't see a review of a film that you think should be here, why not send in your own review? Just click here.

1-10 ABCDE FGHIJK LMNOPQ RSTUV WXYZ

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Consumer Advice: Contains moderate fantasy violence and horror
Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat seizes power at Hogwarts.
Director: David Yates Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Release Date: 2007 Number of published Reviews: 4
 
Funny beginning but soon scary!
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix was funny at the beginning when Dudley was teasing Harry, but when they went into the tunnel it got dark. It was scary when the Dementors came. Another scary bit was just before getting on the Hogwarts Express, when Harry saw the villain Lord Voldemort.
Review by oliver, aged 7 on 20/02/2010
 
"Funny bits and darker moments"
This film starts differently to the other Harry Potter movies; it starts dramatically with Dudley and then quickly after, action with the dementors. This gave the film a different edge to the other films and got me excited for my favorite bits to come. There are also funny bits and darker moments, which people who have read the book will understand. The big battle at the end, as well as Harry's dreams, were both breathtaking, but when compared to the first lord of the rings movie, it does make you wonder why this film wasn't rated 'PG'. However, the story between Harry and Cho is better than ever while the Dumbledore/Voldemort fight was amazing. The short running time had me a little disappointed, but the well made ending left me eager for more. Bring on the 'Half Blood Prince'!
Review by Sasha Harris , aged 10  on 22/06/2008
 
"The shortest and best Harry Potter film"
A 700 page book was always going to be a handful as a film, but it just cuts it this time with the key bits there. The bad thing is no quiditch that's a minor let down in Harry's more grown up adventures. We start off in a park when Dudley and his mates come to pick on Harry. Suddenly the rain starts falling and Harry and Dudley run for their live's to an underpass. There they meet the dementors and from that moment the questions don't stop. The film is so action-packed,we rarely slow down and when we do it's brief. The ending is a bit of an anti-climax with a build up of 3/4 of the film we're treated to a very good battle but then the action stops and somehow everything is good again. Sure enough the end leads on to the next one but I rather expected there to be some other ending. At just over 2 hours this is the shortest and best Harry Potter film.
Review by Sam , aged 14  on 27/05/2008
 
"not the best Harry Potter"
Love the acting yet not the best Harry Potter movie yet, (I'd say 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' is the best one so far). Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have got the basic emotions down but are having trouble with the more complex ones. Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton and Evanna Lynch were great. 3 out of 5.
Review by Nathan , aged 10  on 26/12/2007
 
Review this film