BBFC

THE BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION - BBFC

These few short paragraphs contain the words fuck, cunt, bollocks, shit, wanker and donkey-raping, shit-eaters. Of course, if you are easily offended, then you are advised not to read on, however, it is more than likely that the damage has been done and I offer you my sincerest fucking apologies. Now, if this was a film containing the gratuitous swearing you've have just beared witness to, the bbfc would probably be attaching a 15 or an 18 certificate to it. That is basically the purpose of the 'bbfc'. They are the independant, non governmental, regulatory body who have classified all cinema films released in Britain since their formation in 1912. More recently, since 1984 to be precise, they have been in charge of classifying all video recordings offered for sale or hire commercially in the UK too.

In regards to censorship and regulation, it is the job of the bbfc to give the general public the necessary information whereby they can make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves. This ensures that potentially harmful or unsuitable viewing content remains shielded from the vulnerable (ie. kids who shouldn't really be watching someone get ripped to pieces by a man with a chainsaw) and society in general, whilst still allowing room for; "adult freedom of choice". (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/vsindex.php)

Media content that the bbfc would find particularly problematic would be the use of swearing, violence, sexual content, drug use and gore in films set for release. They have to find the balance between what is acceptable for certain age groups whilst ensuring that they do not alienate a potential mass audience with misguided classifications. Ultimately, their classifications are guidelines and are very often ignored but with the classification set, the finger of blame cannot be pointed at them if someone is affected by the content of a film they are perhaps not old enough to be watching. This only becomes problematic when there is argument that a film should not have been classified within a certain age group but this is relatively rare, and some may argue, the bbfc often lean on the side of caution, which too can be annoying.

An example of 2 classifications is listed below.


GRINDHOUSE
Contains strong bloody violence, gore and brief strong sexual images

Certficate - 18


AZUR & ASMAR - THE PRINCES' QUEST
Contains mild fantasy violence

Certificate - U

All in all, the bbfc is an important and necessary body which is needed to set guidelines to ensure certain content is not viewed by those who should not be viewing it. Although, they are often ignored when it comes to DVD release and suchlike, ultimately, their classifications are just guidelines, and do not infringe on freedom of choice. It then comes down to the parents whether 4 year old Tommy should really be knocking back the pints whilst the watching the 18 rated; Saw 3.