Age rating and classification

What is classification and how does it work?

In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. 
The BBFC watch films and videos all the way through and award the correct age rating by applying the standards and criteria included in their classification guidelines.
Normally, two examiners view a film for theatrical release and in most cases a senior examiner will confirm the examiners recommendation. If the examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree the work may be seen by other members of the board up to and including the director and presidential team. Occasionally the BBFC take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of a film's content or its potential to harm.
There is the same process for DVDs and Blu-rays, though these are generally only viewed by one examiner, However sometimes, opinions are collected from other examiners for more difficult works.
The BBFC look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. They also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.
The release format of a work also affects the classification.  Their decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.
At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are treated the same.


Bernie the Brave

This film would be rated a U because a U film is suitable for audiences four years and over. The film doesn't raise any significant issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex or violence. 
There is a brief fight scene where the character is placed in danger but the threat is quickly resolved and the outcome is reassuring. There is also no emphasis on the sword used and it is within a historical setting, this is what is accepted at a U classification.
A children’s work at U will generally contain positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship, particularly amongst children, which mine does. The film has a happy ending for the child and the overall tone is one of reassurance.


It Ended.

This film would be rated PG, this means that its suitable for general viewing and should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. All themes are allowed at a PG as long as they are treated with the appropriate manners.
References to sex are acceptable as the activity is implied and lacking in detail. Also, a child is unlikely to understand the references, so this is allowed a PG.