The BBFC regulates who can watch certain types of films by classifying them into one of seven age ratings.
U - This means the film is suitable for audiences over the age of 4.
PG - The parental guidance certificate means that the film would be suitable for general viewing, although parents are advised to consider if the film could upset their child.
12 - This certificate is for DVDs and Blu-Rays which indicates that the film is suitable for anybody over the age of 12. Nobody below the age of 12 may purchase a film that has a 12 rating.
12A - For cinema releases only. Allows for people below the age of 12 to watch a 12A film as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
15 - Only suitable for people that are 15 and over. People below the age of 15 are not permitted to watch or purchase 15 certificate films.
18 - Only suitable for people that are 18 and over. People below the age of 18 are not permitted to watch of purchase 18 certificate films.
The age rating of a film can have a large impact on who sees a film, and what the audience expects to see when they view it.
For example, a film that could have a large potential young audience (such as The Dark Knight or Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2) will try and keep their films certified for a younger audience so that more people can watch them.
Also, age certificates can act as a guideline on what you can expect to see from a film. If you were going to watch an 18-rated horror film, you would expect extremely graphic scenes whereas a 15 rated horror film would most likely contain psychological or paranormal themes. Eg. 'A Serbian film' is an 18 rated film whereas 'Cabin in the Woods' is a 15 rated film.
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