Film Certification

Film age ratings

U: Universal age rating 

• suitable for all audiences ages four and over
• set within a positive framework
• should contain reassuring counterparts to any violence or discrimination
• no references to drugs, sex, violence, nudity or antisocial behaviour

PG: Parental Guidance

• general viewing,  but some scenes may be unsuitable for children
• discrimination is very unlikely unless in historical context
• no reference to drugs unless they carry an anti-drug message
• No glamorising imitable behaviour
• Mild violence is acceptable

12A & 12: Suitable for 12 & over

• misuse of drugs must be limited and infrequent
• no promotion of imitable behaviour either 
• strong language may be allowed but not too frequent or too explicit

15: Suitable for 15 & over

• The work as a whole must not encourage discriminatory language or behaviour, even though there may be homophobic or racist themes
• Sexual activity may be shown but not in strong detail. May be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified.
• The violence shown may be strong but not prolong the pain or injury. Strong gory images are unlikely to be acceptable and the same goes for sadistic violence.

18: Suitable for 18 & over

• Clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be allowed and will be confined to the R18 category

R18: Restricted 18 

• Restricted 18 films are only to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults only
• The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.