Film classification:

Every four to five years, the BBFC carries out research with 10,000 people to ensure its guidelines reflect what the general public want and expect. Based on the latest research, the age rating symbols and guidelines have been updated. The results from the BBFC’s latest research are fascinating. 

You might think younger viewers are really-liberal. Yet, with the ever-increasing choice of media formats to watch, it transpires youngsters are crying out for more guidance. While the BBFC enjoys strong approval from the cinema-going public, the film industry; especially the distributors that pay the classification fees that keep the lights on at the board’s Soho Square offices in London may have a more nuanced view.

U (Universal) Suitable for All:

General viewing, however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. There is usually nothing unsuitable for children aged 4 and over. Although it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. U films should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

Guidelines of the BBFC states that, discriminatory language or behavior is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of. References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be infrequent and mild, or have a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children. Potentially dangerous or anti-social behavior which young children may mimic must be clearly disapproved of. No emphasis on realistic and easily accessible weapons. The violence portrayed within the film must be mild and shown within an acceptable context. Language must be infrequent use only of very mild bad language. Occasional nudity is allowed but only with no sexual context and only very mild sexual behavior and references to such behavior is permitted.

These films are rated a U: Mulan and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.

PG (Parental Guidance): 

May contain mild language (frequent/aggressive use may result in the work being passed at a higher category), mild violence and sex or drug references. A PG film should not “unsettle a child aged around eight or older.” Mild bad language may be tolerated but nothing aggressive or frequently used. Dangerous, anti-social and discriminatory behavior would need to be disapproved of and there must be no glamorisation of realistic or accessible weapons such as knifes. 

These films are rated a PG: Wish Dragon and The War with Grandpa.

12/12A:

Generally suitable for those aged 12 and over; those under 12 admitted only if accompanied by an adult. Because no one under 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult to help decide whether a film is suitable, the BBFC emphasis parents and guardians check the ratings information. No one younger than 12 may see a 12 rated film at a cinema or rent or buy a 12 rated video work. As you may expect, these films are more graphic. Moderate violence may be portrayed but with no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed and there may be moderate bad language.

These films are rated a 12 and 12A: My Spy andThe Iron Mark.

15:

Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. Not to be supplied to any person below that age. No one younger than 15 may see a 15 rated film in a cinema or rent or buy a 15 rated video work. There’s a big step between 12 and 15 films. For films with this age rating, dangerous behavior such as self-harming and asphyxiation may be portrayed but shouldn’t dwell on detail that can be copied. The work should not endorse discriminatory behavior or language but such language is permitted. There are fewer constraints on nudity and sexual activity may be portrayed and there could be repeated and strong verbal references to sex. Films with this rating may also feature brief depictions of sexual violence and rape. 

These films are rated a 15: Parasite and Mayday

18:

Suitable only for persons of 18 years and over. Not to be supplied to any person below that age. Will always have mature themes. May contain very strong language, very strong violence including strong sexual violence, explicit sex references including sexual activity and real sex, nudity and hard drugs. Sex works cannot be placed at 18. 

Unless the material depicted on screen breaks criminal law. There are few restrictions with an 18 film. It can feature bad language, sexual activity, sexual violence, violence, injury and so on.

These films are rated a 18: Unfaithful and Why Don’t You Just Die.

R18:  

To be supplied only in sex shops and shown only in licensed cinemas to persons of not less than 18 years. Will always contain material intended for sexual stimulation, including: clear images of real sexual activity explicit animated images sight of certain acts such as triple simultaneous penetration and snowballing.

These films are rated a R18: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer and Beyond the valley of the dolls

My Own Opening Sequence (15):

The studying carried out and Based on the findings I have gotten from the BBFC and another film source help. With soft violence with disclaimer of no endorsement or glamourising will be shown in my trailer as well as with no sexual references, no nudity, no strong language and lastly no drug use.