The bbfc classifications for films in the UK are as follows:
Uc/U - It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.
PG - Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
12A/12 - 12A is suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.
15 - Suitable only for 15 years and over. 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 or DVD.
18 - Suitable only for adults. No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
R18 - 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 between adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order.
Over the years there have been some quite controversial films produced, including A Clockwork Orange (one of my favourite films and one of the most controversial), Natural Born Killers, Kids and The Passion of the Christ.
To see why they are so controversial we need to outline what they contain and why this upsets people.
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
"Being the adventures of a young man whose principal interests are rape, ultra-violence and Beethoven." - this sums the film up, and yes, some parts of it are pretty shocking, but it wouldn't be such a good film if they weren't. In 1973 it was withdrawn from showing after it was accused for inducing copycat behaviour, this gained it a cult status.
The main reason that ACO upsets people is because it is so violent, but the thing is, Alex gets his comeuppance in the end, and in my opinion quite unfairly, and the fact that it supposedly cause copycat behaviour.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Natural Born Killers is the story of the misadventures of Mickey and Mallory: outcasts, lovers, and serial killers as they travel across Route 666 conducting psychedelic mass-slaughters not for money, not for revenge, just for kicks. Glorified by the media, the pair become legendary folk heroes; their story told by the single person they leave alive at the scene of each of their slaughters.
Another ultra-violent film, which has been compared to A Clockwork Orange, which again was accused of encouraging copycat, and even inspiring similar crimes.
Kids (1995)
Please see my previous blog 'Kids'
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
This is one of the most recent controversial films which details the final hours and crucifiction of Christ, leading to a lot of upset (related) among religious groups. Most of the worries were that the story was not correct to the Bilble, but then it can be arguded that the film is just an interpretation, and so is the Bible. Other issues were about how graphically the film displayed Christs suffering, which I think is a little silly, as I thought it was important for us to realise how much he did suffer for us, but anyway.
In Conclusion
Yes, a lot of these controversial films are upsetting for a lot of people, but if you don't want to be upset, don't go and see it. It's up to you if you want to watch it or not, so don't spoil it for those people who do.
FilmFour: Banned - Film Fours list of most controversial and banned films
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