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

R18 Rating

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order.

The following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.