Film Certificate

General terms of film certificates:

A film certificate sets the minimum age someone must be to see/buy/play a product.

U - 4 years +:

Mild language and sexual references with no violence, eg, ‘bloody’ & characters kissing

PG - Anyone but parental guidance is suggested

Mild language and some references to sex, there may be some blood but no visible violence, eg ‘shit’ & innuendoes.

12 A - Under 12 accompanied by an adult

Infrequent strong language, discreet mentions of sex with use of weapons and blood in context.

12 - Only those over 12

Infrequent strong language, discreet mentions of sex with use of weapons and blood in context.

15 - Only those over 15

Frequent strong langauge, nudity and sexual activity used with strong violence, there could be discrimination

18 - Only those over 18

No limit to language used, real sex, very strong violence that can be very gory.

Our film will probably fit into the 12 or 15 certificate and it depends on the level of violence we decide to include.

The difference in violence between the two is:

12 Certificate

At 12A, moderate 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 (for example brief sight of bloody injury in a medical drama).

Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and there may be long fight scenes or similar. Weapons which might be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be glamorised in 12A and 12 works.

Sexual violence, such as scenes of rape or assault, may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated at 12A. Such scenes must also have a strong contextual justification.

Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.

15 Certificate

Yes, at 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however, and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.

Easily accessible weapons may not be glamorised.

Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

This is according to the official film certificate website - http://www.bbfc.co.uk

All in all, I think our film would be a 15, as there is strong language used and a lot of gore in the main characters dreams, caused by torture instruments.