Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Examples of U - PG - 12A - 12 - 15 - 18 Rated Films


The motion picture Wall-E is rated U [universal] which is suitable for all ages, is a computer-animated Disney film created by Pixar animation studios back in 2008. The film follows a robot character by the name of 'WALL-E' that cleans up waste/ garbage in the distant future of post-apocalyptic earth. WALL-E is the only functioning robot left on the planet and continues his day-to-day business until a robot [EVE] from outer space is delivered on earth searching for life. The two robots bump into each other and over a short period of time WALL-E falls in love with EVE and an epic journey begins to obtain life and save the future for humanity on Earth.


Released in 1997, The Fifth Element is a science-fiction/action-comedy adventure set during the twenty-third century staring Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a former special forces major now taxi driver that stumbles upon a female known as Leelee to some and others, 'the perfect being' (Milla Jovovich). Together they must collect four magical stones that will the save planet Rath from complete destruction. Gary Olman plays a ruthless but wealthy industrialist named Zorg - who also attempts to retrieved the stones to give to the 'Great Evil.' This film was rated PG for its intense sci-fi violence, some sexuality and brief nudity.




One of the most popular films released in 2008, The Dark Knight follows Christian Bale Reprising his role once again as the Batman from 'Batman Begins.' This sequel introduces many new characters such as the Joker played by Heath Ledger and Harvey Dent played by Aaron Eckhart. The film evolves around Batman and the police force's efforts against the rising antagonist who is only known by the name 'The Joker.' The Dark Knight was rated 12A which caused much speculation around the time of its release with the public and many critics due to its intense sequences of violence and 'menace.'Many critics thought the movie was worth a 15 certificate but stayed at a 12A rating.


The film stars Tom Hanks who plays a simple minded man called Forrest Gump from Alabama. The story follows Forrest from a young child to a middle-aged adult through major and significant events that actually took place in history but many of these have been adapted so Forrest has been extremely lucky and got involved with these events. Events such as meeting the President of the United States multiple times and being on a television show with John Lennon. The main aspect of the film is Forrest's undeniable love for Jenny (Robin Wright Penn). This film was rated 12 as it contains brief drug content, sensuality and war violence.




Children of Men is a 2006 'dystopian science fiction film' directed by Alfonso CuarĂ³n. The story is set in the near future of 2027 in England where all women on the planet have become infertile leaving humanity to a slow but sure extinction. Britain is facing mass problems with illegal immigrants, collapse of society , terrorism and extreme environmental issues. Clive Owen takes the lead role of a bureaucrat named Theo that gets in contact with a distant ex-partner (Julianne Moore) who happens to have found the first pregnant woman on Earth in over 18 years but shes an illegal immigrant. The was given a 15 certificate for containing strong violence, language, some drug use and brief nudity.


Trainspotting follows a group of heroin addicts around the late 1980s in a deprived area of Edinburgh city. The six characters that the film evolves around are Begbie [Robert Carlyle], Diane [Kelly Macdonald], Sick Boy [Jonny Lee Miller], Spud [Ewen Bremner], Tommy [Kevin McKidd] and main character Mark Renton [Ewan McGregor]. The film follows Mark Renton with his troubling addiction with heroin and his attempts to release himself from it over a certain amount of time. The film is also narrated by Mark Renton through certain experiences he encounters throughout the film. Rated 18 for its graphic use of drugs, depravity, strong language, sex, nudity and violence.

Friday, January 15, 2010

BBFC



The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is an organisation that has classified cinema films since 1912 and videos/DVDs since 1984 when the 'Video Recordings Act' was introduced. The BBFC is an independent organisation that is not funded by the government that sets age certificates on films nationally.




The current BBFC certificates:



[Universal] All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.



[Parental Guidance] General viewing, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8.



May be unsuitable for under 12's. Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (cinema only).



Suitable only for those aged 12 and over.
No-one younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.



Suitable only for those aged 15 and over.
Nobody younger than 15 can see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.



Suitable only for adults.
Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game.



For adults only.
May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over.

Sources used in this post :

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/general/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Board_of_Film_Classification