Age certificates

'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over

There may be regular use swearing (for example 'fuck'). But worse words will only be accepted where justified by the situation. Regular use of the worst words is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity can be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.

Sexual activity may be shown but without going into detail however strong spoken references to sex is okay.

Violence can be strong but may not focus on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and short.

Dangerous techniques (hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not focus on detail. Weapons that can be accessed should not be glamorised.

Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug abuse.

Its very rare for a crime film to be a certificate ‘15’. However two I found were ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and the more modern ‘Gran Torino’

'18' – Suitable only for adults

In line with the past research involving the public of the BBFC of the '18' certificate. The BBFC's thinking about what an 18 film should include will not compromise the desire of adults to chose their own films, aslong as they are not illegal. However some exceptions in the following could be possible..

· Where it appears to the Board to danger or harm individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. That means any detailed violence or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,which could promote drug use. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.

· Explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context.

Some examples of an 18 certificate film are The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs, Scar Face and The Postman always rings twice.