Film Classifications

U Rated Films
A film that is rated as ‘U’ generally means that it is suitable for all audiences and ages. This classification is generally applied to films that are for very young children, for example Disney cartoons are generally classed as a ‘U’ rating.
Violence: A mild threat here and there, generally things like an evil characters threatening to punch someone.
Sex: Only sexual content is kissing which is even then kept to a minimum
Language: Very mild language, not extremely present in the movie.
Nudity: Tasteful mild nudity, generally underwear shots of characters.
Horror: Some scary scenes that are portrayed in a sensitive manner so as not to scare their audience.
Drugs: No reference to any illegal substances that can be classed as a drug, unless it is for a purely educational purpose which in this case must be shown clearly.
Discrimination: No discriminatory behaviour

PG Rated Films
A film rated as ‘PG’ (Parental guidance), must not disturb a child of 8 years or younger. The child does not have to accompanied by an adult.
Violence: Mild violence may be used, but only if the context is justified by the movie.
Sex: Any sexual activity must be discreet and not happen too often. Mainly innuendo.
Language: Mild bad language, mainly the same as a ‘U’ rated film.
Nudity: Natural nudity.
Horror: Must be short and not too intense so as to scare a child.
Drugs: Mainly for educational purposes.
Discrimination: Must be shown in a manner that the child knows that is unacceptable, again generally for educational purposes.

12A/12 Rated Films
The specification of 12A is used only in cinemas. If a child wants to see a movie rated as a 12A they must be accompanied by an adult. ‘12’ is used only in terms of video/DVD sales.
Violence: Generally no sexual violence. Shots cannot last too long or be too graphic.
Sex: Slight usage of sex to show a certain point can be used but nothing that is not suitable for young teenagers.
Language: Moderate language can be used, but the more obvious words cannot be used too frequently.
Nudity: Nudity can be used but sexually portrayed nudity must be used discreetly.
Horror: Moderate horror can be used, but nothing too disturbing
Drugs: Drugs cannot be glamorized, but can be used
Discrimination: Minor amounts, nothing major.

15 Rated Films
A film rated as a 15 generally contains sex, violence and almost anything. Nobody under the age of 15 can be admitted into the cinema to watch a 15 rated film, and nobody under the age of 15 can also buy them.
Violence: A lot can be included, but it should not linger on infliction of pain
Sex: No constraints as to how much can be used, just cannot have strong detail
Theme: All themes are generally acceptable
Language: Frequent usage of strong language can be used
Nudity: No constraints on how or where shown. Cannot be too detailed
Horror: No sadistic or sexual material, otherwise allowed
Drugs: Cannot glamorize or promote them but can be shown and used.
Discrimination: Cannot approve of or promote language or behaviour but can be portrayed.

18 Rated Films
There are essentially no limits on what you can include in an 18 rated film. Themes and content are the most detailed, and drugs are generally glamorized and portrayed in positive ways. No-one younger than 18 can be admitted into a movie rated as 18 or buy a movie rated as 18.

R18 Rated Films
Whilst doing research for the classifications task, i also discovered that there is also another classification of film that is higher than an 18. This classification is an R18, and can only be shown in licenced sex shops or cinemas. This material generally contains material that is associated with fetish, things in breach of criminal laws, and other things that are generally associated with sex.