Age Ratings

Age ratings on films are very important for many reasons. They can tell you who the film is suitable for, and who it is not suitable for, what things you can expect to see in the film, etc. Films are normally classified by at least two Examiners using the official guidelines that can be found here. In most cases, the Senior Examiner gets the final say as to what the age rating is for a film, however if there are any Examiners who do not agree and fail to come to an agreement, then other members of the board up to, and including, the Director and the Presidential Team.

Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making a decision about what age rating a film should have.

These are what the Age Rating symbols look like, and what they really mean:

'U' - Universal

This means that the film is appropriate for everyone, especially children. It has no violence, drug abuse, sex, nudity, etc. 

'PG' - Parental Guidance

This means that the film should not disturb any child over the age of 8, however, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset children younger than the age of eight, or more sensitive children.

'PG' films may include some very mild violence or horror scenes, as long as they are not prolonged or likely to cause the child any stress.

'12A' - If younger than 12 years of age, the child must be accompanied by an adult

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

'12' - no person under the age of 12 may see a '12' film

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

'15' - no person under the age of 15 may see a '15' film

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.



'18' - no person under the age of 18 may see an '18' film

No one younger than 18 may see a ‘18’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy a ‘18’ rated video work.

'R18' - Restricted
 
To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years