British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC rates theatrically-released films, and rated videos and video games that forfeited exemption from the Video Recordings Act 1984, which was discovered in August 2009 to be unenforceable until the act was re-enacted as the Video Recordings Act 2010. Legally, local authorities have the power to decide under what circumstances films are shown in cinemas, but they nearly always choose to follow the advice of the BBFC.

Generally most thrillers are classed as 15 or 18's so this would be in line with the type of audience we would be targeting and make it suitable for their viewing.'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and overNo-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.ThemeNo theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.LanguageThere may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). But the strongest terms (eg 'cunt') will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.NudityNudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.ViolenceViolence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.Imitable techniquesDangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.HorrorStrong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.DrugsDrug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.'18' – Suitable only for adultsNo-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' as defined below.In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.