Key differences between each rating

U-PG:

• Discrimination of an unrelatable character or in an historical/educational context is fine if disapproved of.
• There can be an anti-drug message
• There can be frightening sequences if in a fantasy setting (still not prolonged)
• Still no imitable behaviour
• No specification of mild bad language
• No specification of occasional natural nudity
• Sexual innuendo allowed but discreet
• More mature themes/serious problems (eg. domestic violence) allowed but still in a mild way
• Violence can be stronger at a PG but can’t be in detail and justified by context
• Horror can be more frightening at a PG but cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly

PG-12A

• Discrimination can be more aggressive if condemned
• 12A now allows infrequent, non-glamorised misuse of drugs
• Horror allowed to be prolonged provided they are infrequent
• Same rules apply to imitable behaviour
• There can be moderate language at 12A eg. infrequent use of the 'f' word
• Nudity doesn't have to be natural anymore and sexual nudity must be brief and discreet
• Sexual activity can go further than implied but discreetly portrayed
• Mature themes must be acceptable for young teens
• Violence doesn't need to be justified by context although sexual violence is now allowed but may be implied and must have strong contextual justification

12A-15

• Discrimination doesn't have to be condemned at a 15 but not endorse it
• Drug use doesn't have to be infrequent and can be glamourised but the film as a whole should not endorse this
• Strong horror and threat allowed at a 15 but not sexualised or sadistic
• Strong language like the 'c' word allowed if justified by context and infrequent
• No longer constraints on nudity in a sexual or educational context
• Sex doesn't have to be brief or discreet any more
• Theme must be suitable for 15 year olds
• There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

15-18

• Viewers are adults so completely free to choose their own entertainment
• Illegal drug use is not allowed
• Sexualised violence is allowed in a 18 but cannot cause potential harm to anyone or society
• Clear images of real sex is still not permitted

18-R18

• Work must still NOT breach laws
• R18 films are primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
• Only allowed in specially licenced cinemas or sex shops