Research - Age restrictions in thriller films

Age classification

Age classification is important to consider when in the process of researching before you plan and make the film.

The main ones our group are looking to aim for are 15-18, so we want to know what makes a 15 film and what makes an 18 film. The people who decide this are the BBFC (British board of Film Classification.)

What is the difference between a 15 and 18 certificate?

There are age limits on films as the media believe that some content is unacceptable to be shown to certain ages. With 15 certificate films No-one under 15 is allowed to watch a film in cinemas without ID or buy/rent a 15 certificate film. Films rated 18 are for adults only. Again no-one under 18 is allowed to watch  films in the cinema or buy/rent a 18 certificate film. This is because the film is considered unsuitable as it contains explicit content.

A 18 certificate contains:

-very strong violence
-frequent strong language and very strong language
-strong portrayals of sexual activity
-strong verbal references to sex
-strong horror
-strong blood or gore
-real sex (in some circumstances)
-discriminatory language or behaviour (e.g racism or homophobic)
-drug taking.

A 15 certificate contains:

-strong violence
-frequent strong language
-portrayals of sexual activity
-strong verbal references to sex
-sexual nudity
-brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references
-discriminatory language or behaviour (e.g racism or homophobic)
-drug taking.