Video summary

BBFC Warnings 2020 Compilation

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas and concepts

  • When renting or buying a film (or “feature”) for home viewing, you should choose content that is appropriate for the intended audience.
  • To make a good choice, check the certificate rating assigned to the film.
  • Film ratings are provided by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) (with occasional auto-subtitle wording errors such as “British world of film classification” / “Witch Board”).
  • Each rating indicates:
    • Who it is suitable for (by minimum age or parental discretion)
    • What content to expect (e.g., violence, sexual content, drug use, swear words)
  • Enforcement: Subtitles repeatedly emphasize that it is a crime to supply certain age-rated categories to people younger than the rating.

Methodology / instruction list (detailed)

  1. If you rent or buy a feature, ensure the choice is suitable for the audience at home.
  2. Look at the certificate rating the film has been given.

  3. Use the certificate to understand suitability and content expectations:

    • U (Universal):

      • Suitable for all ages
      • Nothing unsuitable for children

    • PG (Parental Guidance):

      • Parents may want to check the film themselves before showing it to children
      • Possible content includes:
        • Some violence (especially in action films)
        • Some sex scenes or very brief nudity (especially in romance)
        • Some milder swear words

    • 12:

      • Cannot be seen by anyone younger than 12
      • Possible content includes:
        • Stronger violence or references to sexual activity
        • Stronger swear words than found in PG
      • Crime to supply to anyone under the age of 12

    • 15:

      • Cannot be seen by anyone younger than 15
      • Possible content includes:
        • Adult themes
        • Scenes of sex, drugs, or violence not suitable for younger audiences
        • Sexual swear words
      • Crime to supply to anyone under the age of 15

    • 18:

      • For adults only
      • Possible content includes:
        • Adult themes
        • Very graphic scenes of sex or violence
        • Frequent explicit language, including sexual swear words
      • Crime to supply to anyone under the age of 18

    • “Restricted” (legally restricted certificate):

      • Described as for features with realistic sex scenes and/or fetishes between adults only
      • Restricted distribution:
        • Forbidden to be sold publicly except in licensed sex shops and licensed sex cinemas
      • Enforcement:
        • Crime to supply a restricted 18 feature to anyone under 18 over the internet or by post

  4. Treat these certificates as guidance to help you “make the right choice.”

  5. “Enjoy the show” / thanks for listening (closing remarks repeated throughout).

Speakers / sources featured

  • British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) (the source of the film certificate ratings)

Original video