History of British film certificates
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2008-07-13T13:22:36Z
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/* 1994–2002 */
This article chronicles the '''history of British film certificates'''.
==Overview==
The UK's film ratings are decided by the [[British Board of Film Classification]] and have been since 1913<ref name="About">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/|title=About the BBFC|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>. Previously, there were no agreed rating standards, and local councils imposed their own - often differing - conditions or restrictions. For cinema releases, the BBFC has no legal power (technically, films do not even have to be submitted for classification), as it falls to councils to decide who should be admitted to a certain film, but they generally apply the BBFC's certificates, effectively making them legally-binding. In exceptional cases, councils may impose their own conditions, either raising or lowering the minimum entry age from the certificate, banning a certified film outright, or setting their own minimum entry age for films that have never been submitted for BBFC certification, or which have been refused a certificate by the Board.
Prior to 1985, there were no legally-binding ratings on video releases. The [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] introduced new legal powers to certify video releases independently from any existing cinema certificate, with the BBFC being given responsibility to rate every new video release (except those exempted from classification) to determine the minimum age of people to whom the recording can be supplied, whether by sale or rental<ref name="VRAct">{{cite web |url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=1810866|title=Video Recordings Act 1984 (c. 39)|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>.
The following list chronicles the BBFC's ratings system from its inception to the present. Note that what is allowed in a film has greatly changed over time. A film rated A in 1913 would probably be rated PG (or even U) now<ref name="History1912">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1912.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1912-1949|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>.
In each section, ''italics'' indicates when a certificate has changed since the previous system.
==1913–1932==
At first, there were just two advisory certificates<ref name="CertificateHistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_historycats.asp|title=SBBFC: The History of the Category System|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1913-1970.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal'''''||''Suitable for children''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC A 1913-1970.png|50px|A]]||'''''Adult'''''||''Some councils ruled that children must be accompanied by an adult''
|}
==1932–1951==
An H (Horror) certificate was added to alert parents to horror-themed material<ref name="History1912" />.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1913-1970.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC A 1913-1970.png|50px|A]]||'''Adult'''||Some councils ruled that children must be accompanied by an adult
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC H 1932-1951.png|50px|H]]||'''''Horror'''''||''Some councils ruled that only those aged 16 or over could be admitted''
|}
==1951–1970==
For the first time, a compulsory certificate, X, was introduced allowing only those aged 16 and over to enter. This replaced the H certificate<ref name="History1950">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1950s.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1950s|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1913-1970.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC A 1913-1970.png|50px|A]]||'''Adult'''||Some councils ruled that children must be accompanied by an adult
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC X 1951-1970.png|50px|X]]||'''''X'''''||''Suitable for those aged 16 and over (enforced by all councils)''
|}
==1970–1982==
On [[1 July]] [[1970]] the A certificate was split into two: the A certificate now allowed those aged five and over to be admitted, but warned parents that they may not wish children under 14 to watch the film, while the new AA allowed only those aged 14 or over to be admitted<ref name="History1970">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1970s.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1970s|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>. As there was now a mandatory certificate at 14, the X certificate was modified to raise its age from 16 to 18. The classification symbols were given a more modern look, replacing the ageing logos that had served the BBFC for almost 60 years.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1970-1982.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC A 1970-1982.png|50px|A]]||'''''A'''''||''Those aged 5 and over admitted, but parents advised that they may not wish children under 14 to watch the film''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC AA 1970-1982.png|50px|AA]]||'''''AA'''''||''Suitable for those aged 14 and over''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC X 1970-1982.png|50px|X]]||'''''X'''''||''Suitable for those aged 18 and over''
|}
==1982–1985==
On [[1 November]] [[1982]] the ratings system was completely overhauled with only the U certificate remaining unchanged (though its description was slightly modified). The A certificate was replaced by PG, which was now completely advisory. The age of AA was raised a year and the certificate was renamed 15. The X certificate was unchanged but renamed 18 due to the lewd reputation that the letter X had acquired. A new R18 certificate was introduced for sexually-explicit films. In order to show R18 films, cinemas must be licensed members-only clubs (previously, a loophole allowed these clubs to show such films unrated)<ref name="History1980">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history1980s.asp|title=SBBFC: History - 1980s|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||''Suitable for all''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||'''''Parental Guidance'''''||''All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for small children''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||'''''15'''''||''Suitable for those aged 15 and over''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||'''''18'''''||''Suitable for those aged 18 and over''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||'''''Restricted 18'''''||''Suitable for those aged 18 and over and only available at licensed cinemas''
|}
==1985–1989==
The [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] gave the BBFC the legal responsibility to rate all videos. The current certificates were all used, though a new Uc certificate was introduced for videos only to indicate a recording that is especially suitable for young children to watch on their own<ref name="History1980" />. Those under the age of a certificate could not buy or rent a video with that certificate. Shops wishing to sell or rent R18 videos had to apply for a licence.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC Uc 1985-2002.png|50px|Uc]]||'''''Universal Children'''''||''Suitable for all, but especially suitable for young children to watch on their own (video only)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||'''''Universal'''''||''Suitable for all (now also covers videos)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||'''''Parental Guidance'''''||''All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for small children (now also covers videos)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||'''''15'''''||''Suitable for those aged 15 and over (now also covers videos)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||'''''18'''''||''Suitable for those aged 18 and over (now also covers videos)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||'''''Restricted 18'''''||''Suitable for those aged 18 and over and only available at licensed cinemas and shops (now also covers videos)''
|}
==1989–1994==
Due to the large gap between PG and 15 and industry pressure regarding ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'', a 12 certificate was introduced on [[1 August]] [[1989]]<ref name="History1980" />. However, it was for cinema use only and did not cover videos. 12 films released on video would typically be rated 15, though they were sometimes edited to fit the PG category.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC Uc 1985-2002.png|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Suitable for all, but especially suitable for young children to watch on their own (video only)
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for small children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 12 1989-2002.png|50px|12]]||'''''12'''''||''Suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable for those aged 15 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over and only available at licensed cinemas and shops
|}
==1994–2002==
The 12 certificate was also introduced for videos on [[1 July]] [[1994]]<ref name="CertificateHistory" />.
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC Uc 1985-2002.png|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Suitable for all, but especially suitable for young children to watch on their own (video and DVD only)
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 1982-2002.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG 1982-2002.png|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for small children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 12 1989-2002.png|50px|12]]||'''''12'''''||''Suitable for those aged 12 and over (now also covers videos and DVDs)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 15 1982-2002.png|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable for those aged 15 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 18 1982-2002.png|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC R18 1982-2002.png|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over and only available at licensed cinemas and shops
|}
==2002– Present==
The cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film ''[[Spider-Man (film)|Spider-Man]]'', and the first film that got the certificate was actually ''[[The Bourne Identity (2002 film)|The Bourne Identity]]''. However, ''Spider-Man'' and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in [[Norwich]], during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below)<ref name="Spider-Man">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/case_study_spiderman.asp|title=SBBFC: Spider-Man Case Study|publisher=BBFC|accessdate=2008-02-07}}</ref>. The video 12 certificate remained unchanged. Shortly after the new certificate was introduced, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.).
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC Uc 2002 onwards.png|50px|Uc]]||'''Universal Children'''||Suitable for all, but especially suitable for young children to watch on their own (video only)
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC U 2002 onwards.png|50px|U]]||'''Universal'''||Suitable for all
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG 2002 onwards.png|50px|PG]]||'''Parental Guidance'''||All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for younger children
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 12A 2002 onwards.png|50px|12A]]||'''''12 Accompanied/Advisory'''''||''Suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); under 12s admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 12 2002 onwards.png|50px|12]]||'''''12'''''||''Suitable for those aged 12 and over (DVD or video only)''
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 15 2002 onwards.png|50px|15]]||'''15'''||Suitable for those aged 15 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC 18 2002 onwards.png|50px|18]]||'''18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC R18 2002 onwards.png|50px|R18]]||'''Restricted 18'''||Suitable for those aged 18 and over and only available at licensed cinemas and shops
|}
==Non-standard certificates and ratings==
{| class="wikitable"
!Symbol !!Name !!Definition/Notes
|-
|align="center"|[[Image:BBFC PG-12.png|75px|PG-12]]||'''PG-12'''||Suitable for those aged 12 and over (cinema only); under 12s admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult.
This experimental certificate was used during a short BBFC trial in Norwich from October 2001 to January 2002, in which all 12 certificate films on release were classed as PG-12. Norwich was chosen due to its relative isolation from other large towns, in order to avoid significant numbers of children travelling there to specifically take advantage of the relaxed controls. The results of the trial led to the adoption of the 12A later in 2002.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/1626618.stm BBC News | FILM | Film censor relaxes rules for children<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.bbfc.co.uk/downloads/pub/Policy%20and%20Research/12A%20National%20Survey%20Research%20Findings.html BBFC report on Norwich trial]</ref>
Between the end of the Norwich trial and the actual introduction of the 12A, a PG-12 rating was used by [[Tameside]] Council in June 2002 for ''Spider-Man'', over-ruling the BBFC's 12 certification of the film. In addition, some other councils awarded the film a PG certificate <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/2042729.stm BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Film | Parents warned of Spider-Man violence<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
|-
|align="center"| [[Image:Exempt uk.GIF|125px|]] ||'''Exempt'''||The 'E' in a square, triangle, circle, or similar (examples shown), is not a BBFC rating certificate, but rather a statement from the distributor certifying that they believe a video recording is exempt from classification under the [[Video Recordings Act 1984]] (e.g. educational material, music and sport).
|}
==See also==
*[[British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]
*[[18 certificate]]
*[[R18 certificate]]
*[[Motion picture rating systems]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/student_guide_history.asp History of the BBFC]
[[Category:British Board of Film Classification]]
[[Category:British history timelines]]