If the rating is a fifteen its only suitable for people who are fifteen years and over. No-one younger than fifteen may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema, buy or rent it. As a whole it must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied and in the end result cause physical and mental harm to the audience. There may be frequent use of strong language but it would be inappropriate and unacceptable if said in an aggressive way or repeated on numerous occasions. Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail and there may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
At ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. The reasons behind this are the material is in breach of the criminal law or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence. Material appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society. There are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.
