BBFC 12 years of 12A
Twelve years after the launch of the 12A this is a great chance for students to
find out more about the 12A rating and why it was introduced, who plays a part
in age rating films, and how and why films are classified today.“
Lucy Brett, BBFC Head of Education
Our resources are designed to be used with selected film titles,
which are available free for clubs at www.filmclub.org
See, think, make.
Imagine
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Our resources are designed to be used with selected film titles, which are available free for clubs at www.filmclub.org
Teachers’ notes
BBFC 12 years of 12A
About this resource
This is a teaching resource developed by Into Film and accompanies the PowerPoint presentation BBFC 12 years
of 12A. Some of the activities outlined in this document require film clips or stills which are contained within the
presentation. It aims to deliver a range of activities for students and teachers working within KS4, KS5 and S4 – S6
Film Studies and Media Studies. The resource provides adaptable activities, which can be ‘cherry picked’ or used as
complete lessons, to help students and teachers to explore the BBFC 12A classification.
Accessing film
Many of these activities require access to the film and, wherever possible, activities reference time codes to help you
navigate the films with students. You can order films for free through your Into Film club account. Not yet Into Film?
Joining Into Film is easy and free – go to the website to find out more and register or email [email protected]
Free wall charts to explain BBFC classification are available at bit.ly/intofilmBBFCageratings
Curriculum Links
AQA GCSE Media Studies
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•
•
•
•
WJEC GCSE Film Studies
• Unit 2. Film Organisations Exhibition, Certification - the role of the BBFC
WJEC GCSE Media Studies
• Media Texts, genre, narrative and representation
• b. Regulation and control
• how different types of media are regulated and controlled
SQA National 3, 4
and 5 Media
• knowledge of contextual factors, constraints and freedoms that affect producers of
media content
AQA A level Media Studies
• Unit 2 – Understanding the media
OCR A level Media Studies
• Critical Perspectives in Media: Contemporary Media Regulation
• Institutions and audiences
• Promotion, marketing, consumption
WJEC/CBAC A level
Media Studies
• MS4: Media - Text, Industry and Audience
SQA Higher Media
• knowledge of contextual factors, constraints and freedoms that affect producers of
media content
Unit 3: Explaining the media industry
how the industry and the products they make are influenced by ownership and control
Unit 4: Responding to a media brief
the products apply appropriate codes and conventions
considerations of any rules and regulations have been applied
Films
This resource references clips from Gravity (2013, 12A), The Hunger Games (2012, 12A) and The Secret Life of Walter
Mitty (2013, PG). A list of other 12A/12 rated titles, that you may wish to use in activities focussed on the BBFC 12A
classification, can be found on page 16. Throughout this resource the certificate awarded to the film at the cinema is
included after the film title. 12A is a certificate awarded to films for cinema viewing and 12 is awarded to video works. In
some cases, films classified 12A at the cinema are available in different versions with a different classification on DVD.
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Teachers’ notes
Gravity
BBFC 12 years of 12A
2013 | Cert: 12A
Warner Bros © (2013) All rights reserved
What’s this film about?
Dr. Ryan Stone is understandably excited about her
first trip space mission, but it takes a disastrous turn
when debris detaches her from her shuttle, sending
her hurtling into the dark. Though she has experienced
astronaut Matt Kowalski for company, they’re unable
to make contact with ground control. Facing the
strong likelihood of death, the two colleagues become
properly acquainted, resolving to do everything
possible to survive. This thrilling space story is guided
by the unique visual style of Alfonso Cuaron (who also
directed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban),
with gripping performances from Sandra Bullock and
George Clooney.
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BBFCinsight
“There are numerous scenes of threat
as the surviving astronauts dodge
debris from exploding space vehicles,
explosions, bursts of flame and
high speed buffeting by and bouncing
off various space vehicles and crashing
spacecraft. There is also a brief scene
of a woman close to drowning. While
many of these sequences of threat
are sustained, they demonstrate an
overwhelmingly positive message
about the human will and ability to
survive.”
Into Film Club
member,
Jamie, aged 13
“This outstanding feature film, released
October 2013, instantly hooked my
interest and attention. The graphics are
incredible, certainly the best the world
has ever seen! This heart wrenching
movie left me feeling astonished at
how much it connects to me, as well as
so many others. It taught me to carry
on when life gets tough and to never
give up!”
3
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Teachers’ notes
The Hunger Games
BBFC 12 years of 12A
2012 | Cert: 12A
Lionsgate © (2012) All rights reserved
What’s this film about?
In a post-apocalypse America (now called Panem), two
children between the ages of 12 and 18 are routinely,
randomly selected for a brutal competition, of which
there can be only one survivor. Katniss Everdeen
volunteers to spare her younger sister, and so her own
fight for life begins. Jennifer Lawrence, celebrated for
her role in Winter’s Bone, consolidates her status as a
young star to watch with another fearless performance.
She’s tough yet vulnerable in this horrifying vision of a
dystopian future that feels uncomfortably convincing.
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BBFCinsight
“Once the competition begins, there
are a number of sequences in
which the participants fight against
one another and there is sight of
competitors being killed and injured.
When the film was seen for advice,
in an incomplete version, the BBFC
informed the company that certain
sequences placed an emphasis on
blood and injuries that was unlikely
to be acceptable at ‘12A’. Accordingly,
four scenes of violence and one scene
showing injuries were reduced by cuts
and by the darkening of certain shots.”
Into Film
Club member,
Rebecca,
aged 12
“This is an amazing film, packed with
thrilling twists and a heart warming
story line. The film is aimed at
teenagers because it contains quite a
lot of violence. Overall its a great film
suitable for teenagers and older!”
4
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Teachers’ notes
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
BBFC 12 years of 12A
2013 | Cert: PG
Twentieth Century Fox © (2013) All rights reserved
What’s this film about?
A lonely daydreamer retreats into elaborate fantasies
to escape his unexceptional existence in this
long-awaited, second screen version of a classic 1930s
short story. Uplifting and whimsical, the modernized,
comic fable sees funnyman Ben Stiller direct himself as
the titular nobody, Walter Mitty, whose daily grind is far
removed from the exciting world of heroism, romance
and action he imagines in his head. But the guy who’s
too timid to even ask out a co-worker he fancies
gets a dramatic rebirth when he’s forced to embark
on a real-life, global adventure to save his job on a
New York magazine. Suddenly, Walter’s leaping from
airborne helicopters and wrestling sharks, inspirationally
becoming the person he always wanted to be.
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BBFCinsight
“This work was originally seen for
advice. The company was advised that
the film was likely to receive a 12A
rating but that their preferred PG rating
could be achieved by making limited
changes, including to remove sight of
naked female pin-up pictures and to
reduce violent threat in a fight scene.
When an edited version of the film
was submitted for formal classification,
these scenes had been addressed and
the film was consequently rated PG.”
Into Film
Club member,
Brandon,
aged 15
“This movie was inspiring to me. It
showed me to live life at its fullest. Ben
Stiller was the perfect person for this
role, he is a great actor. The movie’s
story was a piece of art.”
5
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Who are the BBFC and what do they do?
Learning outcomes:
•
•
•
•
Students identify and apply the eight specific classification criteria the BBFC use to rate a film.
Students identify and evaluate the key events in the history of the BBFC since 2002.
Students identify and explain the role of the key people, groups and organisations.
Students evaluate the purpose of the BBFC and film ratings, and an example of press coverage of a 12A
classification decision.
Can you classify a film?
1. Watch the short film Skateboards and Spandex, on slide 2 of the accompanying BBFC 12 Years of 12A presentation.
You may want to give students a copy of the film on tablets or media players to allow them to pause and repeat
sections as necessary.
2. Discuss in small groups which year group, or range of year groups, in your school you would recommend it for.
3. Give out the Skateboards and Spandex mapping sheet on page 18, ask students to plot the content of Skateboards
and Spandex on the sheet and make a judgement about which year groups the film would be suitable or unsuitable for.
Students may also like to consider the context of their decision, such as the tone and intended audience of the film.
4. Record each group’s ideas through a piece to camera using a flip camera, tablet or smart phone.
5. At the end of your lesson(s)/activities on BBFC 12A classification, revisit the mapping sheet and play these films back.
Discuss with students if they would change their recommendation or the rationale for their decision.
How has the BBFC changed over the last twelve years?
1. Print out the timeline titles on slides 25-38 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
2. Give each student or pair of students one event from the timeline. Ask students to work together as a group to
assemble the timeline on the walls around the room.
3. Use the QR codes or links to access information online to help the students make a decision if necessary.
4. Use slide 39 and 40 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation to label the events with dates and
rearrange any events that were not in the correct place.
5. Watch the clip on slide 3 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation ‘How has the BBFC changed over
the last twelve years?’.
Extension: Which are the most important events in the last twelve years of the BBFC? Ask students to work in groups
and discuss which six events they feel are the most significant in the last twelve years of the BBFC. Discuss this as a
whole group and reach a consensus, remove the events the students have not chosen from the timeline to demonstrate
a clear decision. You may wish to leave the whole timeline on the walls for a series of lessons on this topic.
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Who are the BBFC?
1. Use the Who decides on age ratings? sheet on page 19 and slide 4 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of the
12A presentation. Ask students to work in pairs or threes and pick a BBFC person, group or organisation out of a
hat, carry out some online research and prepare a five minute presentation with images about that person, group
or organisation.
2. Alternatively ask students to make a stills film containing no more than five stills and 75 words in captions or
voiceover to explain what they have found out about that person, group or organisation, and show them to the rest
of the group, either as a large group or as a carousel activity.
Why is the BBFC necessary?
1. Provide students with the BBFC’s two guiding principles on page 20 and slide 5 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years
of 12A presentation. In small groups ask students to make a film of no more than 90 seconds, using movie editing
software or apps, to explain to 12-year-olds in an engaging and innovative way, the principles and how the BBFC
fulfills them.
Extension: Show students the newspaper article ‘Tom Cruise film prompts most complaints’ on page 21 and slide 6.
Also, show students the extract from the BBFC 2013 Annual Report and Box Office records for Jack Reacher on pages
22-23 and slides 7-8 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
Ask students to discuss how the classification of Jack Reacher reflects the BBFC guiding principles and why they think
BBFC classification decisions still generate headlines and debate.
Students may also like to consider:
•
•
•
•
The number of people who saw Jack Reacher compared to the number of complaints to the BBFC.
Whether it makes a difference that Jack Reacher is based on a successful series of novels?
Whether the star appeal of the lead actor may affect expectations about the film?
Whether the audience perceive Jack Reacher as a hero, and how that might affect expectations and reactions to the film?
Why do we have film classifications?
1. Ask students to mind map in groups or as a whole group who exactly is affected by film classification. They should
consider children/vulnerable people, the general public and people who work in the film industry.
2. In pairs or threes, students should pick a group of people, carry out some online research and prepare a three
minute presentation with images about the positive and negative (if applicable) impact film classification has on this
group. Alternatively ask students to make a stills film containing no more than three stills and 50 words in captions
or voiceover to explain the positive and negative (if applicable) impact film classification has on this group. They can
share the films or presentations either as a whole group or as a carousel activity.
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
How are different films rated?
Learning outcomes:
• Students identify the BBFC classifications and assess why films received particular ratings.
• Students identify and investigate the steps in the BBFC classification process and the role of the BBFC Examiner.
What are the BBFC classifications and what does each one mean?
1. Give out the BBFC classification symbols on page 17 and slide 9 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A
presentation. Ask students to write a sentence of 20 words maximum to describe what they think each symbol
means, including the legal restictions that might apply and what age group the BBFC might be thinking of in their
Guidelines.
2. You may wish to ask each group to look at one symbol, feedback their ideas to to group and discuss if the rest of the
group agree with their ideas.
3. Use the BBFC Classifications Chart on page 17. Divide students into pairs or threes and give them the sections of the
chart. Ask students to match the descriptions of the classifications with the correct classification symbol and films
that have been awarded that classification. Use slide 10 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation to
discuss students’ responses.
What is the role of a BBFC Examiner?
1. Ask students to mind map the role of a BBFC Examiner, identifying the tasks they think they do, the challenges
someone in this role might face and any questions they would like to ask an Examiner.
2. Give out the Classification procedure photo story cards on presentation slides 41-50. Ask students to assemble
them in the correct order.
3. Watch the clip ‘What is the classification process?’ on slide 11 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A
presentation and afterwards discuss students’ responses, to arrange the Classification procedure photo story
cards in the correct order.
4. Direct students to the BBFC website, starting with this page bit.ly/BBFCStudentFAQS to answer their other
questions about BBFC Examiners.
5. Watch the clip ‘What is the role of a BBFC Examiner?’ on slide 12 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of the
12A presentation.
Extension: Ask students to consider if there are any questions that they could not answer using the BBFC website
and the clip, and if an interview with a BBFC Examiner would be a valuable use of their time and yours. If students do
have specific questions that were unanswered ask them to draft an email, for their teacher to send, to arrange a video
conference with a BBFC Examiner, outlining the specific questions they would like to ask and explaining why this
interview would be beneficial for them. A contact form is also available at bit.ly/BBFCStudentFAQS
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
What is 12A and which films are classified 12A?
Learning outcomes:
• Students identify and explain the rationale for the 12A certificate and BBFCinsight.
• Students identify and evaluate trends in 12A/12 certification since 2001.
• Students assess public responses to the introduction of 12A in 2002 and classification of some films at 12A.
Twelve years of BBFC 12A
1. Watch the ‘BBFC 12A Trailer’ on slide 13 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
2. Ask students to summarise the key message of the trailer in 140 characters or less, to promote the trailer on social
media. If possible, use one of the posts to promote the trailer, linking to the trailer on the BBFC website through your
school/college social media feed.
3. Watch the ‘BBFCinsight Trailer’ on slide 14 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation. Ask students
to write a short blog piece for the Into Film Club’s website explaining what BBFCinsight is and how it can help club
leaders, parents and young people to find out if a 12A will be suitable for their film club screenings.
Why was the 12A certificate created in 2002?
1. Direct students to bit.ly/weekendboxofficefiguresBFI and ask them to find:
• UK Box Office figures for 12 certificate films for June - December 2001
• UK Box Office figures for 12A certificate films for June – December 2002
• UK Box Office figures for 12A certificate films for January - June 2014.
2. Ask students to create an infographic (infogr.am/) to compare the number of films and ticket sales for 12 certificate
films shortly before the 12A was introduced, during the first year of 12A and twelve years after the introduction of 12A.
• What trends can the students identify?
• Why do they think young people and parents wanted a 12A certificate?
• Why do they think cinemas wanted a 12A certificate?
3. Listen to the ‘BBFC Podcast 01 12A’ {time code 20:30 -26:05} bit.ly/BBFCpodcast12A
4. Find out more from the BBFC about how and why the 12A certificate was introduced, and compare this
information with students’ ideas. You may also ask students to listen out for: the first 12A film and 12A films
that have been complained about in the past.
Extension: The Maze Runner
Direct students to the Into Film Behind The Scenes interview with actors and the director of The Maze Runner (2014),
12A, bit.ly/mazerunnerbts. Find out why it was important for this film to secure a 12A certificate, and consider why some
books that are suitable for younger teenagers, may be difficult to adapt into a film that would be classified at 12A.
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Activity outlines
Gravity (2013, 12A)
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Warner Bros © (2013) All rights reserved
Learning outcomes
• Students apply the general Classification Considerations and 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations to Gravity.
• Students analyse the BBFCinsight report for Gravity.
1. Watch the clips ‘Stone and Kowalski rescue Sharriff’ {time code 00:16:53 – 00:20:52} and ‘Kowalski floats off into
space’ {time code 00:28:30 – 00:31:20} from Gravity on slide 17 and 18 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years
of 12A presentation.
2. Give students the 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations on page 23 and slide 16, and the four general
Classifications Considerations on page 25 and slide 15 of BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
3. Ask students why they think it was rated 12A? What particular theme in the classification description would BBFC
Examiners be looking at in Gravity? You may wish to watch the clip several times as a whole group or make the clip
available on tablets or media players for students to pause and repeat as necessary.
4. Give students a copy of the BBFCinsight for Gravity on page 26, in small groups ask students to highlight references
in the report to the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification Considerations. Use
eight different coloured pencils and compare the BBFC’s rationale and most frequently mentioned issues, with the
themes that students have identified.
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Activity outlines
The Hunger Games (2012, 12A)
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Lionsgate © (2012) All rights reserved
Learning outcomes
• Students apply the general Classification Considerations and 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations to
The Hunger Games.
• Students analyse the BBFCinsight report for The Hunger Games.
• Students analyse the BBFC Classification Timeline for The Hunger Games, and evaluate why the film was classified 12A
at the cinema and is available at 15 on DVD.
1. Watch the clips ‘The Release’ {time code 01:04:00 – 01:07:43} and ‘Working Together’ {time code 01:54:53 –
01:57:57} from The Hunger Games on slides 19 and 20 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
2. Give students the 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations on page 23 and slide 15, and the four general
Classifications Considerations on page 25 and slide 15 of BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
3. Ask students why they think this film was rated 12A? What particular theme in the classification description would
BBFC Examiners be looking at in The Hunger Games? You may wish to watch the clip several times as a whole group
or make the clip available on tablets or media players for students to pause and repeat as necessary.
4. Give students a copy of the BBFCinsight for The Hunger Games on pages 28-29. In small groups ask students to
highlight references in the report to the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification
Considerations. Use eight different coloured pencils to highlight the BBFCinsight and compare the BBFC’s rationale
and most frequently mentioned issues, with the themes students identified.
5. Give students the BBFC Classification Timeline for The Hunger Games on page 30. Ask students to work in small
groups to formulate three responses to the questions below.
6. You may wish to ask groups to work on one of these questions, and present their ideas to the rest of the group,
alternatively ask groups to work on all four questions and pool their ideas in a whole group discussion.
• Why did Lionsgate want a 12A classification for The Hunger Games?
• Why does the BBFC work with distributors to advise them about achieving a particular certificate?
• Which scenes in The Hunger Games were changed to create a 12A cinema release and why might the distributor
have release a stronger ‘international version’ as a 15 certificate on DVD?
• Which elements of the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification Considerations
do these scenes relate to?
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Activity outlines
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013, PG)
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Twentieth Century Fox © (2013) All rights reserved
Learning outcomes
• Students apply the general Classification Considerations and 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations to The Secret
Life of Walter Mitty.
• Students analyse the BBFCinsight report for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
• Students analyse the The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and evaluate why the film was classified PG at the cinema and is
available at 12 on DVD.
1. Watch the clips ‘The lift’ {time code 00:23:09 - 00:25:25} and ‘The shark’ {time code 00:47:25 - 00:49:23} on slides
21 and 22 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation.
2. Give students the 12A/12 specific Classification Considerations on page 24 and slide 16, and the four general
Classifications Considerations on page 25 and slide 15 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation,
and the PG specific Classification Considerations on page 32.
3. Ask students why they think it was rated PG at the cinema? What particular theme in the classification description
would Examiners be looking at in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? You may wish to watch the clip several times as a
whole group or make the clip available on tablets or media players for students to pause and repeat as necessary.
4. Give students a copy of the BBFCinsight for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on page 31, in small groups ask students
to highlight references in the report to the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification
Considerations. Use eight different colour pens to highlight the BBFCinsight and compare the BBFC’s rationale and
most frequently mentioned issues, with the themes students identified.
Ask students to work in small groups to formulate three responses to the questions below. You may wish to ask
groups to work on one of these questions, and present their ideas to the rest of the group, alternatively ask groups to
work on all four questions and pool their ideas in a whole group discussion.
•
•
•
•
Why did Twentieth Century Fox want a PG classification for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty?
Why does the BBFC work with distributors to advise them about achieving a particular certificate?
Which scenes in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty were changed to create a PG cinema release and a 12 certificate DVD?
Which elements of the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification Considerations
do these scenes relate to?
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Activity outlines
How can we rate a film?
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Aldenham School Film Club © (2014) All rights reserved
Learning outcomes
• Students apply the BBFC specific Classification Criteria and general Classification Criteria to an unclassified film.
• Students assess and classify a film using the same process as a BBFC Examiner.
• Students compare their classification ideas with the findings of a BBFC Examiner.
1. Give students a copy of the BBFC classification chart on page 17. Watch Infected, a short film made by students
at Aldenham School, on slide 23 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A presentation. You may wish to transfer
this film to students’ tablets or media players, so they can watch it in pairs as many times as they need to pausing
as necessary.
2. Give students the BBFC Examiner’s Report template on page 33. Ask students to refer to the eight specific
Classification Considerations and four general Classification Considerations to make notes about Infected.
3. Ask students to decide what classification they would award this film for cinema release, a PG, 12A or 15? Using film
editing software or apps ask students to record a commentary over the footage stating what rating they have given
the film and highlighting particular scenes or shots that have led to them making that decision. Ask students to swap
voiceovers or footage with one or two other groups to compare ideas.
4. Alternatively write a 150 words maximum BBFCinsight style report outlining the classification, the main reasons for
this classification and elements of the film that adults and young people should be aware of.
5. Watch the clip ‘How did you rate the film Infected?‘ on slide 24 of the accompanying BBFC 12 years of 12A
presentation. Discuss how this compares to students’ own commentaries and classification for the film.
Extension: Rate a Trailer
Ask students to use the BBFC Rate a Trailer online activity, bit.ly/bbfcrateatrailer, and attempt to rate a maximum of five
trailers. They can then recommend the trailer that surprised them the most for the rest of the group to rate. You may
wish to direct students to:
•
•
•
•
Delivery Man (2013, 12A)
12 Years a Slave (2013, 15) 12 years a Slave is classified 15, the trailer is classified 12A.
Gravity (2013, 12A)
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013, 12A)
Trailers on the BBFC website are regularly refreshed, so you may wish to check which 12A trailers are available before
this task.
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Peer classification
1. Ask students to peer classify films or trailers that they have made, using the BBFC Examiner Report template on
page 33 and the eight specific Classification Considerations and four general Classification Considerations. Ask
students submitting the film or trailer to suggest what classification they think their film should have. For trailers,
students might like to consider the effect of the viewing context on the audience, and consider that cinema goers
select the film they go to see, but do not have a choice over trailers.
2. Ask students examining the film to write BBFCinsight to explain the classification and any changes that the filmmaker
could make to achieve a different classification, if this were possible.
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Activity outlines
BBFC 12 years of 12A
So, you think you know 12A?
Learning outcomes:
• Students apply their knowledge and understanding of the 12A/12 specific Classification Criteria and general
Classification Criteria to 12A rated films.
• Students analyse BBFC information including BBFC Annual Reports and BBFCinsight.
• Students compare their ideas about BBFC classification with BBFC rationale and decisions.
Classification quiz
1. Use the Classification quiz presentation to discuss and analyse more films classified at 12A, these are: Noah (2014,
12A); The Impossible (2013, 12A); The King’s Speech (2010, 12A); The Bourne Identity (2002, 12A); Pitch Perfect
(2013, 12A) and An Education (2009, 12A). Each question contains a clip and multiple choice answers to encourage
students to consider why films have received the 12A classification. There are also links to relevant BBFCinsight and
Annual Reports in the presentation notes to enable you and students to find out more about the classification of
these films.
2. Play the quiz as a whole group or play in small groups using tablets or media players, and compare answers and
discuss why different students had different responses.
Extension: Ask students to make their own quiz questions focusing on the 12A rating using a clip and classification
information from the BBFC website.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
For further understanding and analysis
of the BBFC 12A/12 classification,
Into Film recommends…
All is Lost (2013)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Divergent (2014)
The Kid With A Bike (2012)
Ender’s Game (2013)
Godzilla (2014)
Project Nim (2011)
Sundance Selects © (2011) All rights reserved
The Maze Runner (2014)
The Social Network (2010)
Icon © (2011) All rights reserved
Tracks (2013)
Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
Vera Drake (2004)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The Book Thief (2014)
The Crash Reel (2013)
Momentum © (2004) All rights reserved
Visit www.intofilm.org/schools-film-clubs to find out more about starting your own Into Film Club
and access to thousands of fantastic films to watch.
Through Into Film Clubs there are opportunities for members to develop skills in reporting, programming
and reviewing. Clubs are also offered support in filmmaking, putting youth voice at the very heart of
the scheme. Through participating in a film club, children and young people can engage directly with
members of the film industry, discover career opportunities and learn how to pursue them.
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You may wish to enlarge this table to A3, to make the pieces easier to work with.
For films that are suitable for adults. No children are permitted to see these films in the
cinema or buy or rent them at home.
For films that are only suitable for older teenagers. Younger teenagers cannot go to see the
film, even if they are accompanied by an adult, as an age restriction applies.
An advisory certificate for films that are most suitable for younger teenagers, which takes
into account the fact that different children and younger people develop at different rates.
Younger children cannot go to the cinema alone, but will be admitted if accompanied by
an adult. The BBFC suggests adults check BBFCinsight before the film as it may have issues
such as infrequent strong language and moderate violence.
Should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age
may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or
more sensitive, children.
Suitable for audiences aged four and over, although it is impossible to predict what might
upset any particular child:- films should be set within a positive framework and should offer
reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
Certificate Description
BBFC classifications chart
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Scream (1997)
Halloween (1978)
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Made in Dagenham (2010)
The Purge (2013)
Jaws (1975)
Gravity (2013)
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Coraline (2009)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Back to the Future (1985)
E.T. The Extra -Terrestrial (1982)
Up (2009)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Examples
17
BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Skateboards and Spandex mapping sheet
Shade the columns to indicate the frequency of discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat
and violence in the film. You may wish to partially shade squares.
Discrimination
Drugs
Imitable
behaviour
Language
Nudity
Sex
Threat
Violence
None
Infrequent
Frequent
Strong
Looking at your completed mapping
sheet, which year group or year groups
do you think Skateboards and Spandex
is suitable and unsuitable for?
Before making your final decision
consider the context of the film.
Consider the tone of the film and
the target audience.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
Who decides on age ratings?
BBFC Director
BBFC Senior Examiner
BBFC Examiner
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Local Councils
Distributors
Young people
Parents
BBFC Advisory Panel on Children’s Viewing
BBFC Presidents
Film fans
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To empower consumers, particularly
parents and those with responsibility
for children, to make informed
viewing decisions
2
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BBFC Guidelines: www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202014_0.pdf
To protect children and vulnerable
adults from potentially harmful
or otherwise unsuitable media
content
1
BBFC Two Guiding Principles
20
BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC 12 years of 12A
Tom Cruise film prompts most complaints
The Telegraph, 17 July 2014
Paramount Pictures © (2012) All rights reserved
The Tom Cruise action thriller Jack Reacher provoked the most complaints to the British Board of Film Classification
(BBFC) in 2013, with parents concerned that the film was “too violent, dark and sadistic” for 12-year-olds. The 12A
classification appears to be a source of confusion for some, with other films in the same bracket – including The
Wolverine and the Richard Curtis comedy About Time – also receiving complaints.
The BBFC was satisfied, however, that the small number of complaints received about Jack Reacher – 26 in total
– was evidence that the majority of people felt the rating was acceptable. “The overall tone and treatment of the
violence is similar to recent 12A action films such as the Bourne series,” states the BBFC’s annual report, which
details some of the most controversial of the 1,042 films it rated in 2013.
The BBFC also received complaints about Lee Daniels’ The Paperboy, which starred Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron.
The 12 complainants suggested that the film, which was rated 15, ought to have been rated 18 because of its
“graphic and explicit sexual scenes.” The Wolverine (12A), meanwhile, attracted the same number of complaints
because of the strong language used by the main character.
The Telegraph, 17 July 2014, Tom Cruise film prompts most complaints.
www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/10972755/Tom-Cruise-film-prompts-most-complaints.html [accessed 8 September 2014]
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USA/New Zealand
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
UK/USA
USA
UK
USA
USA
UK/USA
Ind
UK/Can/Ind
USA
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2. Life of Pi
3. Jack Reacher
4. Pitch Perfect
5. Parental Guidance
6. Rise of the Guardians
7. Skyfall
8. Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings 3D
9. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!
10. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2
11. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
12. Seven Psychopaths
13. Dabangg 2
14. Midnight’s Children
15. Silver Linings Playbook
£81,781
£101,725
£128,834
£147,498
£168,051
£250,281
£386,248
£623,067
£890,022
£1,022,539
£1,293,400
£1,295,355
£3,575,066
£4,180,308
£6,850,728
Entertainment
eOne Films
Eros
Momentum
Paramount
eOne Films
eOne Films
Disney
Sony Pictures
Paramount
20th Century Fox
Universal
Paramount
20th Century Fox
Warner Bros
-11
-
-62
-12
739
8
-67
33
60
-16
-
36
-
-5
15
6
1
2
4
11
7
6
3
10
5
1
2
1
2
3
Weekend Distributor % change
Weeks on
Gross
on last week release
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British Film Institute, 2014, Weekend Box Office reports – 2012, www.bfi.org.uk/publications/corporate-documents-publications/film-industry-statistics-research/box-office-reports-6 [accessed 8 September 2014]
Country
of Origin
Rank
and Title
UK Box Office 28-30 December 2012
22
BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC Annual Report 2013
Page 12
The 12A theatrical classification of Jack Reacher generated the most feedback in 2013, with a total of 26 complaints.
Despite a number of reductions made to scenes of violence to achieve a 12A certificate, those who contacted us
considered the film too violent, dark and sadistic for twelve-year-olds, and inappropriately presented the hero as a
vigilante figure. The film is occasionally gritty and realistic, but the overall tone and treatment of violence is similar
to recent 12A action films such as the Bourne series and does not exceed the Guidelines at 12A. The film is relatively
restrained in showing blood and injury, with no undue focus on the suffering of victims and the Jack Reacher
character is quickly established as an ‘anti-hero’.
From BBFC Annual Report 2013
www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Annual%20Report%202013%20-%20web.pdf
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
12A/12 specific classification considerations
Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged
under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to
take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film it suitable for that child. To help decide, we
recommend that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance.
No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language
or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs
Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Imitable behaviour
No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or
easily accessible weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour.
Language
There may be moderate language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used,
who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.
Nudity
There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude
references are unlikely to be acceptable.
Threat
There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be
disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.
Violence
There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There should not be emphasis on injuries or blood,
but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context.
The specific Classification Considerations for all certificates are available at
www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/guidelines
BBFC Guidelines: www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202014_0.pdf
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
General Classification Considerations
There are general factors that may influence a classification decision at any level and in connection with any issue.
These factors are of particular importance when a work lies on the borderline between two age categories.
Context
Context is central to the question of acceptability of film and video content. When considering context therefore, we
take into account issues such as public expectation in general and the expectations of a work’s audience in particular.
We consider the context in which an issue (such as sex, language or violence) is presented within a film or video.
In doing this we take account of factors such as the setting of a work (historical, fantasy, realistic, contemporary);
the manner of presentation (for example, an aggressive and directed use of bad language may result in a higher
classification than a light-hearted and self-referential use of the same term); the apparent intention of the film;
the original production date of the work (for example, outdated attitudes might be considered less offensive, and
consequently classified at a lower category, in an old, obviously dated, work); and any special merits of the work.
Theme
Classification decisions will take into account the theme of a work, but will depend significantly on the treatment of that
theme, and especially the sensitivity of its presentation. The most challenging themes (for example, drug misuse, sexual
violence, paedophilia, racial hatred or violence) are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification.
However, there is no reason in principle why most themes, however difficult, could not be presented in a manner which
allows classification at 18 or even, where suitable, at lower levels.
Tone and impact
The overall tone of a work may also affect the classification decision. While the presentation of specific issues, such as
sex and violence, may not be problematic at a particular category, a work with a dark or unsettling tone may receive
a higher classification. Other tonal considerations which might have an influence on classification include the extent
to which the work presents a despairing view of the world or the extent to which transgressive or harmful behaviour is
condoned or made to appear normal.
We take into account the impact of a work (i.e. how it makes the audience feel), for example in relation to horror films
where threat may be more significant than the level of violence.
BBFC Guidelines: www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202014_0.pdf
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFCinsight for Gravity
29/10/2013
Gravity is a science fiction drama about a pair of astronauts on a mission who are left stranded in space after debris
from a satellite destroys their shuttle. It is rated 12A for sustained moderate threat, disturbing images and strong
language.
There are numerous scenes of threat as the surviving astronauts dodge debris from exploding space vehicles,
explosions, bursts of flame and high speed buffeting by and bouncing off various space vehicles and crashing
spacecraft. There is also a brief scene of a woman close to drowning. While many of these sequences of threat
are sustained, they demonstrate an overwhelmingly positive message about the human will and ability to survive.
Brief but disturbing images of dead bodies in space include a man whose frozen face has a hole in the middle
where his nose has broken off.
There is a single use of strong language (‘f**k’) by one of the astronauts expressing frustration and stress which
is not directed at anyone. The film also contains some milder bad language, such as ‘shit’ and ‘sonofabitch’.
No-one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than
12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video or DVD.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC classifications timeline for Gravity
1. In August 2013, science fiction thriller Gravity is sent to the BBFC in 2D and 3D versions. The distributors request a
12A rating.
2. Examiners note likely wide mainstream audience appeal in common with other films with similar tone and theme (ie.
survival against natural elements and technological failure by human courage and spirit) in common with Apollo 13
(1995, rated PG) starring Tom Hanks or the more recent All Is Lost (2013, rated 12A).
3. Key classification issues are levels of sustained threat, some disturbing images of dead bodies, and the use of strong
language.
4. Examiners consider the 12A Guidelines and recommend 12A for ‘sustained moderate threat, disturbing images and
strong language’ and this is confirmed by Senior Examiners. The 3D version is also rated 12A.
5. The 12A decision is published on the BBFC website, app and Twitter.
6. Examiners write longer BBFCinsight which is published on the BBFC website ten days before release and explains the
key issues in more detail, without giving any plot spoilers.
7. The DVD version of Gravity is submitted in late 2013. It is identical to the theatrical release, and is classified 12 with
the same BBFCinsight.
8. Gravity is chosen as one of the films that BBFC Examiners will introduce in sessions for students across the country
in the Into Film Festival 2014. The sessions will look at the different sorts of films classified 12A.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFCinsight for The Hunger Games
13/03/2013
The Hunger Games is an adaptation of the first novel in the ‘Hunger Games’ trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The film
is set in North America in the future where a totalitarian government requires an annual tribute from each section
of the country. This tribute takes the form of a girl and boy who must compete in a televised ‘hunger game’ in
which the participants are placed in a large outdoor environment that can be manipulated by the authorities. Only
one competitor can survive and win the ‘game’, killing off their rivals if necessary, although it is also possible for
competitors to die as a result of accidents or exposure. The film focusses on one participant in particular, Katniss
Everdeen, who volunteers to be a tribute in place of her younger sister. The film was classified ‘12A’ for intense
threat, moderate violence and occasional gory moments.
The BBFC’s Guidelines at ‘12A’/’12’ state ‘Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should
be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context’.
Once the competition begins, there are a number of sequences in which the participants fight against one another
and there is sight of competitors being killed and injured. When the film was seen for advice, in an incomplete
version, the BBFC informed the company that certain sequences placed an emphasis on blood and injuries that
was unlikely to be acceptable at ‘12A’. Accordingly, four scenes of violence and one scene showing injuries were
reduced by cuts and by the darkening of certain shots. When the finished version of the film was submitted for
formal classification, four further cuts were required to remove some remaining sight of blood and injuries that
breached the terms of the ‘12A’/’12’ Guidelines. The violence that remains in the classified version of the film is
generally undetailed and there is no dwelling on detail. Much of the violence occurs offscreen and there is far less
detail of violence than in the novel on which the film is based.
Inevitably given the narrative, there is a certain sense of threat hanging over the central characters from the start
of the film. They know they will have to take part in an event that they may not survive. However, this underlying
sense of threat is not realised until the second half of the film, in which the ‘game’ begins. Even when the ‘game’
commences, this sense of threat is broken up by other episodes and there is a strong emphasis placed on the
ingenuity of the central character in hiding herself or working with other competitors in order to survive. The central
character does not initiate violence and a clear distinction is made between the ‘bad’ characters who are prepared
to use violence in order to win and the ‘good’ characters who avoid conflict. The sense of threat is further reduced
by the developing relationship between Katniss and the other tribute from her sector, for whom she begins to
develop feelings. We also see the development of a mutually supportive relationship between Katniss and another
female competitor. The Guidelines at ‘12A’/’12’ state ‘Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted,
provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained’. The more threatening sequences are well broken up
by other material and are not individually sustained. The BBFC had regard to the fact that the concept of gladiatorial
contests is likely to be familiar to persons aged 12-14 and that the film is based upon a well known novel that is
widely read by people in this age group. The story has some similarities to ‘The Lord of the Flies’, which also features
violence between young people and which is taught in schools. The Guidelines at ‘12A’/’12’ state ‘Mature themes are
acceptable but their treatment must be acceptable for young teenagers’. Although the concept of young people
being forced to fight one another is a potentially disturbing one, the futuristic and fantastical nature of the setting
distances the sense of threat from reality and young teenagers are likely to understand that the film, like the novel,
is a critique of violence and a critique of media manipulation, with which they will be familiar from reality TV. The
overall message of the film is a moral one and The Hunger Games is likely to provoke reflection about violence,
exploitation and manipulation.
The film also features scenes in which characters practice with, and later use, a variety of weapons, including
bladed weapons and bows and arrows. The Guidelines at ‘12A’/’12’ state ‘Easily accessible weapons should not be
glamorised’. There is no glamorisation of weapons, which are generally used by the ‘bad’ characters rather than by
the heroes. The futuristic and fantastical setting further distances the use of weapons in The Hunger Games from
the use of weapons in a credible real world setting. In the version of the film seen for advice, there was a sequence
in which a blade is sadistically held to a character’s face. This shot has been removed from the classified version of
the film.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFCinsight for The Hunger Games
13/03/2013
In one scene, the participants are attacked by wasp-like creatures that inject powerful hallucinogens into their
victims. This results in Katniss experiencing hallucinations, which are vividly depicted. However, there is no
deliberate use of drugs in the film.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFC classification timeline for The Hunger Games
1. In 2008, Suzanne Collins’ book The Hunger Games is published in the USA. It is a success with both younger readers
and adult fans of young adult fiction drawn to its metaphors about media manipulation, reality TV, totalitarian
regimes and treatment of children and young people. A film is soon in production. The book is later published in the
UK.
2. The distributor sends unfinished versions of the film to the BBFC for advice in January 2012. They are keen for a 12A
rating. Certain sequences include an emphasis on weapons, blood and injuries, and the distributor is told these are
unlikely to be acceptable at 12A, though an uncut 15 would be available. They consider cuts and other alterations (for
example changing the lighting or sound in scenes).
3. A version is submitted for formal classification in February 2012. Some changes having been made. Four further cuts
are required to get a 12A. These include removing sight of blood and injuries. An uncut 15 remains available.
4. The distributor chooses to digitally alter approximately seven seconds of material to remove the blood from the
‘cornucopia’ scene and to make other smaller changes.
5. The Hunger Games is classified 12A in March 2012.
6. The BBFC writes BBFCinsight telling potential viewers, including parents, that the film contains ‘intense threat,
moderate violence and occasional gory moments’. The longer form insight offers further detail including discussion
of the theme and information about how and why the distributor cut the work to make it 12A.
7. The film tops the UK box office over the Easter 2012 period. The BBFC receives 43 complaints from members of the
public about the film’s violence, theme and the cuts made. Some correspondents criticise the decision to cut the
film for 12A, saying cuts to the violence sanitise the impact.
8. In May 2012 a DVD version of the film, identical to the 12A theatrical version, is sent to the BBFC. It is passed 12.
9. The ‘international cut’ DVD version of The Hunger Games with restored footage, including material cut or changed
from the theatrical 12A version, is also sent for classification. It is classified 15 uncut with new BBFCinsight warning
parents of ‘strong violence and threat’. This version also has its own longer BBFCinsight.
10. The film is seen by the BBFC Advisory Panel on Children’s Viewing (APCV) who discuss the likely audience responses.
They view the 12A version and the cut material, and endorse the classification, including the cuts made for 12A,
noting that children of 12-15 are likely to have some awareness of the film’s debates on violence and media
manipulation – and many would be aware of the actual books upon which the film is based.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
BBFCinsight The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
16/12/2013
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is a US comedy drama about an office employee who daydreams about being more
adventurous. It is rated PG for infrequent moderate violence, mild language and sex references.
Moderate violence features in a scene in which two characters fight, with blows to the head and body and brief
sight of blood on a man’s face. However, the fantastical nature of the fight quickly becomes apparent. Other brief
fight scenes include a struggle shown through an x-ray machine which includes a kick and a headbutt before a
character is thrown to the ground and maced. The x-ray view limits the detail.
Mild sex references include sight of a man making a breast squeezing gesture and dialogue reference to “a bunch of
horny Chileans that want to go to a strip club”. In another scene, a man says “erection” when he means “eruption”
before a volcano erupts.
Mild bad language includes ‘shit’, ‘dick’, ‘ass’, ‘slut’, ‘Jesus’ and ‘hell’.
The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty also includes a scene in which a character is threatened by, and has to fight off, a
shark, and one in which characters outrun volcanic ash in their car. There is also a light-hearted reference to the
cream topping on a bun being “frosted heroin” and a reference to “smoking and teenage sex” in a conversation
about a film character.
PG stands for Parental Guidance. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents
are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
During post-production, the distributor sought and was given advice on how to secure the desired classification.
Following this advice, certain changes were made prior to submission.
This work was originally seen for advice. The company was advised that the film was likely to receive a 12A rating
but that their preferred PG rating could be achieved by making limited changes, including to remove sight of
naked female pin-up pictures and to reduce violent threat in a fight scene. When an edited version of the film was
submitted for formal classification, these scenes had been addressed and the film was consequently rated PG.
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
PG Specific Classification Considerations
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of, or in an
educational or historical context, or in a particularly dated work with no likely appeal to children.
Discrimination by a character with whom children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, if that behaviour is
presented as safe or fun. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No focus
on anti-social behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Language
Mild bad language only. Aggressive or very frequent use of mild bad language may result in a work being
passed at a higher category.
Nudity
There may be nudity with no sexual context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo
only.
Threat
Frightening sequences or situations where characters are in danger should not be prolonged or intense.
Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Violence
Violence will usually be mild. However there may be moderate violence, without detail, if justified by its
context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy).
BBFC Guidelines: www.bbfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202014_0.pdf
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BBFC 12 years of 12A
Examiner Report template
BBFC Examiner Report
Film title
Date viewed
Type of work
Examiner name
Category requested
Film/Trailer
Brief synopsis
Very brief synopsis of work
Analysis & assessment
Including identifying: work, category the distributor would like, the work’s likely audience, guideline
issues with examples, any legal issues, wider issues such as audience expectations (for the work and/or
for the category) and other similar works at the same category. Highlights from viewing, with timings.
Further action required?
Do you need any more information before you make a recommendation? Could expert opinion – eg
medical advice, legal advice, animal cruelty advice help? Does your recommendation tally with the
distributor’s request, and, if not, might the distributor elect to cut the work for category? Is there any
reason cuts might be suggested?
Recommended Classification
What age rating should the work get?
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