The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for classifying all films, DVDs, and games released in the UK. They use age rating categories like U, PG, 12A, 15, 18 to indicate what age group a film is suitable for. The classification system aims to ensure content is appropriate for the intended audience and provides guidance to viewers on a film's content. While most films receive the same rating in the UK as other countries, sometimes films rated PG-13 in the US may be rated 15 in the UK instead of 12A, due to differing standards between rating systems.

1. Classification
By Hannah Boult

2. Who decides the Classification of
films in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the British Board of Film
Classification (bbfc) chooses what classification
all films, DVDs and games. They say on their
website:
“All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and
regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of
extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated
experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views
on film, DVD and video game regulation.”

3. Classification Categories
Here are the classification categories here in
the United Kingdom. If you do not reach the age
requirements for these films, legally you are
not allowed to watch them.

4. How does Classification work?
The classification system in the UK means that people
who meet the age requirements are allowed to go and
watch a certain film. However, if you do not reach the age
requirements, you are legally not allowed to watch the
film. This ensures that the film stays suitable for its target
audience. People can use the classification to judge
whether or not they may enjoy a film. For example, an
18 film suggest that it may have severe horror, disturbing
scenes or sex in it, which may not suit someone's
preference. The classification system also makes sure
that people know what to expect from a film and also
ensures that young children – who may be affected by
such scenes – do not watch it while they’re too young.

5. The History of Classification
The BBFC was established in 1912 as the British Board
of Film Censors by members of the film industry, who
would rather manage their own censorship than have
national or local government do it for them. It began
operating on 1 January 1913.
British Board of Film Censors certificate

6. Russia's Classification System
Since 2012 the rating appears inside circles, which indicate age restrictions
followed by a plus(+), and appears in most shows, including TV and Internet
shows in Russian. The indication shown:
(0+) Фильм разрешён для показа в любой зрительской аудитории (Film
allowed for any age) – All ages are admitted. No age restrictions.
(6+) Фильм разрешён детям, достигшим 6 лет (Film for those above 6) –
Unsuitable for children under 6.
(12+) Детям до 12 лет фильм разрешён в сопровождении
родителей (Film for those above 12) – Unsuitable for children under 12.
(16+) Фильм разрешён детям старше 16 лет (Film for those above 16) –
Unsuitable for children under 16. Film has violence, fear or excessive
bloodshed.
(18+) Фильм разрешён детям старше 18 лет (Film for those above 18) –
Unsuitable for children under 18. Film has discrimination, violence or bare
bodies.
Фильмы, которым отказано в классификации (Refused classification) –
Banned.

7. Case Study – The Hunger Games
(2012)
'The Hunger Games' is an American science fiction adventure film
about teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 who must take
part in the Hunger Games, a televised annual event in which the
“tributes” are required to fight to the death until there is one
remaining who will be consequently crowned the victor. When the
film was originally sent off to the BBFC, they concluded that the
film should be given a 15 classification due to the violent nature
throughout the film. Afterwards, it was decided that a few scenes
were to be cut so that they could give the film a 12A rating, as the
film's distributor wanted to expand the potential audience in order
to maximise profits. Many people were outraged at this decision,
as they still firmly believed that the film deserved a 15 rating. Many
lovers of the original book were also upset at the decision, as they
did not feel that the film lived up to their expectations from the
book. As a result, two DVDs were released: A 15 version, and a 12
version. The release of both these DVD's meant that sales
increased dramatically.

8. Why are some films released uncut and
at a higher rating in other countries, but
then cut for a lower age rating in the UK?
In some cases a film distributor is content to accept a higher age rating in one country
than in another country and the standards at the various age ratings differ between
countries. For example, nine PG-13 films were passed 15 in the UK in 2012, rather than
at 12A which is perceived as the UK equivalent of PG-13. One PG-13 film was passed
PG in the UK in 2012. These films are:
ALEX CROSS 15
CHRONICLE 15
DAMSELS IN DISTRESS 15
LOCKOUT 15
MAMA 15
MARLEY 15
NITRO CIRCUS THE MOVIE (3D) 15
THE POSSESSION 15
THIS MEANS WAR 15
THE SAPPHIRES PG
Here is a link to the comparison of different countries when choosing the classification for
a movie:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_picture_rating_system#Comparison