BBFC News

..."with content often acting as a bridge for teens to explore their own mental health.

A survey commissioned by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has revealed the three biggest mental health concerns for teens are anxiety, stress and depression, with 64% of 13-18-year-olds saying they want appropriate warnings on all films and TV shows featuring this content.

The research, by YouGov, showed that anxiety (50%), stress (38%) and depression (34%) were the issues that most concerned young people, followed by body image issues (30%), suicide (20%) and self-harm (20%).

Nearly seven in 10 teens (68%) say that seeing positive portrayals of mental health conditions on-screen breaks down stigma, and half (48%) said that seeing these depictions helps them understand issues around mental health.

It's clear that seeing mental health issues on screen can act as a bridge to open up discussions, with three quarters (75%) saying that positive portrayals can act as a springboard to get help. In fact, teens said that a scene in a film or TV show has even prompted them to talk to their friends (41%) or parents (39%) about mental health.

64%)of teens say they think content warnings are important, with young people going on to say that they help them protect their own mental health (40%), make informed decisions about what to watch (51%) and protect their younger siblings (23%) and friends (38%).

78% 13-18-year-olds think the media industry has an important role to play in showing mental health issues responsibly.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said:

Films and TV shows have a very important role to play, with content often acting as a bridge for teens to explore their own mental health. That's why the BBFC's role is more important than ever. We're here to give teens what they tell us they want, and need - easy to understand age ratings and content warnings, that are based on extensive research into the feelings and reactions of UK audiences, and reflect what people really think - so they can navigate their own experiences, and start talking about them with their friends and younger siblings.

It's very clear that concerns around what harms young people have moved on significantly. In 2021, teens are concerned about mental health, and how this can impact young people emotionally. For teens' emotional wellbeing and development, clear content warnings need to be displayed on all films and TV shows, whether that's in the cinema, on Blu-ray and DVD or on streaming services. We are calling on all streaming services to follow in Netflix's footsteps and carry trusted, well-known BBFC ratings and ratings info on 100% of content.

Further research by the BBFC showed that 97% of people say they benefit from age ratings being in place. 91% of people - and 95% of teenagers - want consistent age ratings that they recognise from the cinema and DVD to apply to content accessed through streaming services.

Well the BBFC have clearly failed on the consistent age ratings front, film ratings are being frequently changed from the previous submission of the same film and BBFC ratings originating from Netflix seem almost random.

Offsite Comment: Keep trigger warnings out of the cinema

23rd September 2021. See article from spiked-online.com by Joanna Williams

Forget sex and violence, film censors now want to protect us from mental distress.

Oliver! is a 1968 UK children's drama by Carol Reed
Starring Mark Lester, Ron Moody and Shani Wallis

The long running BBFC U rating has been changed to PG.

It also seems that BBFC database errors mean that the BBFC is no longer supplying consumer advice for several titles including this one.

The Giant Claw is a 1957 US Sci-Fi horror thriller by Fred F. Sears
Starring Jeff Morrow, Mara Corday and Morris Ankrum

The film was X rated in 1957, U rated in 1996 and PG rated in 2021.

Sense And Sensibility is a 1995 US/UK romance by Ang Lee
Starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and James Fleet

The film has just been uprated from U to PG.

Malcolm X is a 1992 US/Japan historical biography by Spike Lee
Starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett and Delroy Lindo  

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC thinks the film is 15 rated whilst Netflix bizarrely think it's an 18.

In the US the film is rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language

Summary Notes

Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader, from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam.

Versions

uncut run: 201:41s pal: 193:37s

UK: Passed 18 uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for violence, discrimination theme: 2021 Netflix video UK: Passed 15 uncut for strong violence, language and drug use: 2012 Warner Home Video Ltd video UK: Passed 15 uncut: 2001 Pathe Distribution Ltd video 1993 Guild Home VHS 1993 cinema release US: Uncut and MPAA PG-13 rated for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Netflix have moved into the next phase of their partnership, which will see Netflix carry BBFC age ratings and ratings information on its service for years to come.

The new agreement follows a successful pilot phase, during which the innovative partnership - a first for the UK - between the streaming service and the regulator resulted in Netflix achieving 100% coverage of BBFC age ratings and content advice ('ratings info').

The conclusion of the pilot phase and the move to a long-term partnership has been welcomed by Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, and by children's charities.

Netflix applies BBFC Classification Guidelines standards to films and television shows, which the BBFC has set based on large-scale public opinion research and auditing ratings to ensure consistency. Netflix's entire catalogue of original and acquired content now carries a BBFC age rating and a line of ratings information so that families can choose shows safe in the knowledge that everything they press play on is rated to trusted, BBFC standards which reflect UK expectations. This builds on Netflix's wide range of parental controls including PIN-protected profiles, maturity filters, profile locks and viewing history, helping parents make the right viewing choices for their families.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said:

Parents have been very clear that they want and expect online content to carry the same age rating it would carry offline, in the cinema or on DVD. Crucially for child protection, BBFC ratings guarantee that age classifications reflect UK parental and child expectations on issues such as sexual violence and drug use. Our innovative partnership with Netflix has proven that it is possible for streaming services to carry trusted BBFC age ratings on 100% of their content and will make a significant contribution to parents' peace of mind and children's wellbeing for years to come. We are calling on all other streaming services operating in the UK to follow Netflix's excellent example and work with us to give parents what they need.

Jessica Stansfield, Director of Ratings at Netflix, said:

Our members are our number one priority. We're committed to delivering an experience that doesn't just meet, but exceeds their expectations, which is why we are proud to be the first and only streaming service to voluntarily carry BBFC age ratings on 100% of our catalogue, while our updated parental controls provide the tools parents need to make the right viewing choices for their family.

Caroline Dinenage, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said:

We want parents and young people to be able to make informed choices about what content is appropriate for them to watch. The BBFC's age ratings are well trusted and widely recognised, which is why I am pleased that this long-term agreement will see their ratings continue to be used across Netflix's content for years to come.

The Guns Of Navarone is a 1961 UK/US action adventure drama by J. Lee Thompson
Starring David Niven, Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn

Passed U after BBFC cuts for 1961 cinema release. The same cuts persisted in 1986 and 1990 on PG rated VHS but have been waived since a 1994 restoration. Netflix uprated the rating to 15 in 2021.

Summary Notes

A team of allied saboteurs are assigned an impossible mission: infiltrate an impregnable Nazi-held island and destroy the two enormous long-range field guns that prevent the rescue of 2,000 ...

Versions

uncut run: 156:24s pal: 150:09s		UK: Passed 15 uncut for violence: 2021 Netflix video UK: A restored version with the original use of the word 'bloody' was passed PG uncut: 2011 Sony R0 Blu-ray at UK Amazon 2009 Sony R2 DVD at UK Amazon 2007 Sony R2 DVD 1994 Columbia/TriStar VHS
cut cut:   run: 156:00s pal: 149:46s sub: 157:45s		UK: The cut cinema version was passed PG without further BBFC cuts for: 1990 VCI VHS 1986 RCA Columbia VHS UK: Passed U after BBFC cuts for: 1961 cinema release From IMDB: Barnsby's uses of the word 'bloody' overdubbed with 'ruddy

But this is not the only example amongst the latest ratings.

Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay is a 2008 US comedy adventure by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg
Starring John Cho, Kal Penn and Neil Patrick Harris

There are no UK censorship issues with this release beyond noting that the BBFC rated the film 18, whilst Netflix opted for 15.

Summary Notes

After being mistaken for terrorists and thrown into Guantánamo Bay, stoners Harold and Kumar escape and return to the U.S., where they proceed to flee across the country with federal agents ...

Versions

cut  cut:   run: 100:22s pal: 96:21s

UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 15 uncut for crude humour, language, sexual images, drug misuse: 2021 Netflix video UK: The Theatrical Version was passed 18 for strong sex references, nudity and drug use without BBFC cuts: 2008 Entertainment in Video video 2008 cinema release US: The Theatrical Version was rated R for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language and drug use

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run is a 2020 South Korea / USA children's cartoon comedy by Tim Hill.
Starring Keanu Reeves and Awkwafina and Clancy Brown.

There are no censorship issues with this release beyond noticing that the film was rated PG by the BBFC but U by Netflix

Summary Notes

Set before the events of the television series, SpongeBob goes on a trip to Kamp Koral and meets some new friends. However, when his pet snail Gary gets kidnapped by Poseidon and taken to the Lost City of Atlantic City, he and his new best friend Patrick must go on a rescue mission to save him from the dastardly plan of Poseidon before it is too late. The movie will also reveal the first time our beloved characters (as kids) met at Camp...a magical moment that brings meaning to the power of true friendship.

Versions

uncut run: 92m pal: 88m		UK: Passed PG uncut for mild bad language, scary scenes: 2021 Paramount Pictures International Limited video
run: 92:00s pal: 88:19s		UK: Passed U uncut for rude humour, language, threat, dangerous behaviour, bullying, violence: 2020 Netflix video

The Suicide Squad is a 2021 USA action comedy adventure by james gunn...
Starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena  

Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

There are no cuts issues with this film.

In Ireland IFCO rated the film 16 for strong violence and bloody action. It was also 16 rated in New Zealand and Germany.

In the US it was rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity.

In Australia the film was originally rated R18+ by the censor board, but this was reduced to MA15+ on appeal to the review board. The appeal was paid for by the distributor.

In the UK the film was passed 15 uncut for strong bloody violence, gore, language, brief drug misuse. The BBFC described the violence in the film:

Frequent scenes of violence include shootings, stabbings, slashings, decapitations, limbs being cut off, people being crushed, melted, torn apart and exploding. Much of the violence has a darkly comic tone, and results in bloody detail and gory images.

The decision generated a little press coverage for viewers suggesting that they thought the film should be 18 rated. In response to The Independent's request for comment, the BBFC said:

Whilst comparatively more violent than the last film, the violence is mitigated by the film's humour and the action-packed fantasy context. The violence and gore were sufficiently mitigated due to the focus on action within a comic, fantastic, superhero context. At 15, our Classification Guidelines state that 'violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.

The Haunted Hotel is a 2021 UK comedy drama horror romance by Jean Campbell Hogg, (segment Watching), Joshua Carver, (segment Forty Years), Adam Collier, (segment Room 27)
Starring Hugh Fraser, Reece Ritchie and Rob Jarvis

BBFC category cuts were required for a 12A rated cinema release in 2021.

Summary Notes

Eight tales of ghostly encounters through the decades, manifesting amid the ruins of a once grand English hotel.

Versions

advised category cuts cut: run: 95m pal: 91m		UK: Passed 12A uncut with a BBFC trigger warning for moderate horror, violence, bloody images, sexual threat, suicide references: 2021 cinema release The BBFC commented: The distributor requested cuts to achieve their preferred category. Images of strong injury detail were removed in order to achieve a 12A. An uncut 18 classification was available.
uncut run: 95m pal: 91m		UK: Passed 18 uncut for strong injury detail: 2021 cinema release, not released in favour of a cut 12A version

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has published its Annual Report for 2020, outlining how the media regulator shifted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time in the organisation's 100 year history, Compliance Officers watched cinema releases remotely, with the help of the BBFC's state-of-the-art cloud based submission and classification platform, Horizon.

The BBFC classified 4,033 video submissions, 2,310 submissions for online distribution, and its innovative partnership with Netflix hit a significant milestone, with the streaming service achieving 100% coverage of BBFC age ratings and ratings info on their UK platform.

The most common age rating for online and physical media submissions was 15, with the BBFC classifying 2,548 pieces of content with the age rating.

For the movie industry, the BBFC classified 619 theatrical films in 2020 for cinemas to play in between lockdowns.

This included the re-classification of a number of older films, as cinemas shifted their focus towards bringing family friendly classics back onto the big screen while new blockbusters faced delays. In fact, one in 23 films classified by the BBFC in 2020 was a resubmission.

The Annual Report discusses the reclassification of films such as The Karate Kid which was reclassified 12A, previously 15, and Rocky and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which the BBFC reclassified 12A up from PG. The report also outlines the reclassification of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, which the organisation reclassified PG, previously a U.

The most popular age rating on the big screen remains 15, with the BBFC rating over a third (224) of films for UK cinema goers with the classification.

David Austin, Chief Executive of the BBFC, said:

Last year was one of the toughest years that the film and TV industry has ever seen. But, even with the challenges we have all faced, we are proud to have continued our work providing straightforward advice that helps families decide what to watch with confidence, both in the cinema and at home.

Despite lockdown, people's appetite for film and episodic content has only continued to grow. We are delighted that cinemas are now opening again, production studios are back filming, and more families can once again share a special big screen experience together. The pandemic has also underlined the importance of our work in the online space - with more people watching content on streaming services than ever before, it is vital that families are provided with trusted advice, age ratings and tools that we know they need to choose content well.

The organisation also pivoted their outreach work to focus on reaching families who were watching more content at home for entertainment and educational purposes. For the first time, the organisation published a series of home learning resources, designed specifically for parents faced with educating their children from home. This initiative was supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and children's charities.