Film certifications

 Rating: '12'


Suitable for 12 years and over: Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at '12A' and '12'. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.




The '12A' category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult and films classified '12A' are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgment, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.




The '12' category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a '12' rated video work.




Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behavior must not b endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.




Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.




Horror: Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.




Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide  and self harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.


Language: Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example 'fuck' must be infrequent.




Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.


Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.


Theme: Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.




Violence: Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated and must have a strong contextual justification.




Rating: '15'




 Suitable only for 15 years and over: No one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema, No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video work. 


Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.


Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.


Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.


Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.


Language: There may be the frequent use of strong language (for example 'fuck'). The strongest terms for (for example, 'cunt') may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.


Nudity: Nudity maybe be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.


Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.


Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided treatment is appropriate for 15 years olds.


Violence: Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.  




Our film rating
We have decided to rate our film '12' because there is only one use of strong language ('fuck'). There are no sexual scenes or physical violence. The concept of our film is based on a thriller but we feel that storyline is suitable for young people and upwards. If we continued to make the film it would be likley that there would be physical violence used. There may also be a chance that strong language would be used but not a lot of strong language. We don't want to include sexual violence or any sexual scenes in our film. This is why we have decided to give our film a certififcation of a 12.