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1. Task 5: Certificate Ratings
Vincent Yau

2. U Certificate
 The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film
should be suitable for audiences aged four
years and over. It is the lower end of the
category range so it is impossible to predict
what is not suitable for specific child.

3. What can/cannot show in U
Film
 Language: A U film allow very mild bad language
such as ‘damn’, ‘hell’.
 Sexual Content: It does not contain sexual
behavior, or language however, characters may be
seen kissing or cuddling.
 Violence: A U film may include fight scenes or
when characters are in danger. Bad characters
may carry or use weapons, but there will be no
focus on these.
 Drugs: It will not contain illegal drugs or drugs
misuse unless there is a clear anti-drugs or
educational message which will be understood by
a younger audience.

4. PG Certificate
 PG stands for Parental Guidance.
 A PG film is suitable for general
viewing, but it may include certain
scenes which is not suitable for
younger children.
 A PG film should not disturb a child
aged around eight or older. Parents
should consider whether the content
might upset younger or more sensitive
children.

5. What can/cannot show in PG
Film
 Language:It may include bad language such as
‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’ if there is too much bad
language, a work may be passed at the next
category.
 Sexual Content: References to sex are
acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is
implied and lacking in detail.
 Violence: There should be no detail of violence
in a PG work, so while there might be some
blood, we would not see how the injury was
inflicted in strong detail.
 Drugs: Drugs may shown in a PG film if there is
a clear anti-drugs or educational message likely
to be understood by children over eight.

6. 12/12A Certificate
 12A means that anyone aged 12 or
over can go and see the film
unaccompanied. The A stands for
'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children
younger than 12 may see the film if
they are accompanied by an adult who
must watch the film with them.
 The 12 certificate is just for videos,
DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at
the cinema only.

7. What can/cannot show in 12/12A
Film
 Language: there may be strong language (eg
'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent.
There may be moderate language (eg uses of
terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at 12 or 12A).
 Sexual Content: Sex may be briefly and
discreetly portrayed. There may be nudity in 12A
films but sexual nudity should only be brief and
discreet.
 Violence: Violence is allowed but it should not
dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on
injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments
may be permitted if they can be justified by their
context
 Drugs: There may be infrequent sight of drugs
misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should
not be glamorised or provide instructional details.

8. 15 Certificate
 No-one under 15 is allowed to see a
15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’
rated DVD. 15 rated works are not
suitable for children under 15 years of
age.

9. What can/cannot show in 15 Film
 Language: There is limit on the number of uses of
strong language in a 15 film. There may be uses of the
strongest terms, although continued or aggressive use
will not normally be passed 15.
 Sexual Content: sexual activity can be portrayed, as
long as there is no strong or graphic detail. Some sex
scenes can be quite long at this category and may
involve some nudity and movement. Nudity may be
allowed but there should be no strong detail.
 Violence: It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or
injury, however, and the strongest gory images are
unlikely to be acceptable.
 Drugs: drug taking may be shown but the work as a
whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The
misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous
substances like aerosols or solvents is unlikely to be
acceptable at 15.

10. 18 Certificate
 Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one
under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film
at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated
DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable
for children.

11. What can/cannot show in 18 Film
 Language: There is no limit on the number of uses of
strong language which can be passed at 18. There
may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory
language at 18.
 Sexual Content: There can be strong and detailed
portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There
are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or
educational context.
 Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are
permitted at 18.
 Violence: Violence can be strong and be portrayed with
strong detail. There may even be dwelling on the
infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or
sexual violence.
 The strongest gory images are permitted at this
category.
 Drugs: drug taking may be shown but the work as a
whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.