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, includeIron 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.
Well done Bond, Batman and Indy! It's thanks to these guys that
blockbusters such as 'The Quantum of Solace, 'The Dark Knight' and 'Indiana
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' kept audiences entertained
throughout 2008 and made it one of the most successful years in UK cinema
history!
A large rise in box office takings (the money a film makes by selling
tickets) has proved that going to the cinema is still the number one pastime
for the general public.
However, it was the colourful musical 'Mama Mia' that was seen by the
most people, making it the UK's
most popular film of all time! All of this activity has kept us very busy at
the BBFC! Last year we classified 639 films for the cinema and over 11,000
DVDs!
So what's next? 2009 will see the release of a new Harry Potter film
('Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince') and a remake of 'Star Trek'. Only
time will tell if they prove to be box office winners.
