Research: BBFC

The BBFC is an organisation that classifies films into catagories. These catagories are

for age and general audience. These catagories range from ‘U’ to ’18’. The catagories are chosen by the content. i.e. violence and swearing would be put in a higher catagory depending on the language used. 

The BBFC is a classification organisation, not a restriction. They cannot legally put a label on a film without the consent of the producers. However, most producers will go along with them  because they do not want to suffer legal issues due to their age rating being too low. Or a reduced audience from their classification being to high. 

Discrimination, drugs, horror, language and nudity are all reasons for the BBFC being around. They need to make sure that the right audience is viewing the film and that the age rating is not too low. They stick to strict guidelines for rating films to illiminate prejudice towards a particular film. Occasionally ratings are wrong using this method, but it is safer than just making one up. 


U- This is a general classification, showing that the film is ok for 4 and above. 
PG- Parental guidance is for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children
12 and 12A- These films are generally ok for those over the age of 12
15- No one under 15 can see these films in the cinema and parents are advised that they're not suitable for under 15
18- No one under 18 can see these films at the cinema

Example: Romancing the Stone
Due to the fact that the film was rated PG, there was a lot of controversy over the nude and violent scenes in the film. There was one scene in particular where a man got his hand bitten off by a crocodile. This sparked a lot of debate over the rating of this film. Eventually it was rereleased as an 'UNCUT' version in 2000 under the rating of 12. However, this was still considered too low, with many people asking for a 15 rating, but the rating was never changed. 

Research: 3 British Films

The King's Speech

The King’s Speech is about the hardships faced by King George, in his inability to address an audience because of a speech impediment. The king is played by the classic and enigmatic British actor Colin Firth. The audience is captured by Firth’s portrayal of a winning personality,  and we are dragged in by other famous british actors such as Geoffrey Rush and Michael Gambon. People are attracted to the film, not just because of its endereing quality, but also the fact that it is telling us a part of our own history. 

The Sweeney

The Sweeney is a classic idea and theme of Britain. Based on the hit TV series of the 70s, it has the classic team of an older mentor and a younger guy learning the business. The mentor is played by Ray Winstone, a cockney man himself, his rugged personality is perfect for the role and his name brings in people to watch the film. Along with him is musician Plan B taking on the role of his side kick. The audience of this film is glad to finally see the London skyline instead of Hollywood, bringing this film closer to home. 

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a classic British spy thriller that is clearly aimed at an British audience. With it’s dark and mysterious themes, it hits the audience like a cold wind. The first thing you notice is the Cold War aspect of it: the typewriter, the steel, the undecorated hallway. This film is slow paced, however this gives you time to think, to figure out why and what is going on. The ideas in this are very British and would probably not do well in another country, however, this does not stop an audience from being overwhelmed with emotions when watching it. 

My Media Technology

This is my favourite Media Technology, I used ComicLife to take and record
the images into a document