BBFC Research

BBFC Research

Suitable for all
This symbol means Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially the lower end of the category range.

Parental Guidance

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

Cinema Release suitable for 12 years and over

Films classified 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.

Video release suitable for 12 years and over

Films classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12 film in cinema or buy/ rent a 12 rated video. 12 rated works are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Suitable only for adults
Films rated 18 are for adults. No one under 18 is allowed to see any 18 film at the cinema or buy/ rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

Existing Analysis

The film 'Dark Knight' filmed in 2008 has been rated a 12.

On the bbfc website it states it has been given a 12 due to violence and threat.

'Violence- Batman is seen repeatedly beating the joker in an interrogation, but this is without both impact and injury detail. In another scene, a character pushes a man's head down onto a pencil, killing him; again, there is no impact or injury detail. During gun fights, people are shot down and killed but this is without sight of blood or injury'.  

'Threat- There is a sustained sense of threat throughout. The joker is shown continually threatening both individuals and large groups of people In various situations; in one scene, there is moderate knife threat as he plays a knife over both man and woman.