The Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) film-rating system is used in the United States and its territories to rate a film's suitability for certain audiences, based on its content. The MPAA rating system is a voluntary scheme that is not enforced by law; films can be exhibited without a rating, though many theaters refuse to exhibit non-rated or NC-17 rated films.
The American film industry is a dominant presence in the cultural life of UK citizens. By the time many British movie fans become adults, they are likely to have seen far more films from the United States than from any other country, including the United Kingdom.
BRITISH SYSTEM:
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body. It was set up in 1912 and has been classifying cinema films since 1913. Originally known as the British Board of Film Censors, it was created by the film industry as an independent body to bring uniformity to the classification of film nationally. BBFC categories are used to provide guidance to the UK’s local authorities, who grant licences to the cinemas in their area.
When a cinema applies for a licence, it must include a condition requiring the admission of children to any film to normally be restricted in accordance with BBFC classification categories. However, statutory powers on film remain with the local councils, which have the authority to overrule any of the board's decisions. They can pass rejected films, ban films that have been passed by the BBFC, waive cuts, institute new cuts, or alter categories for films exhibited, using their own licensing jurisdiction – although in practice this power is rarely exercised.
Legally, the US rating system is entirely voluntary - no film maker is forced to submit a film to the board for rating, but the vast majority of producers/distributors opt to do so. Signatory members of the MPAA, which represent the major studios, have agreed to submit all of their theatrical releases for rating.
AMERICAN SYSTEM:
Unlike the UK system, any American producer/distributor who wishes to bypass the US rating system is free to go to the market without any rating – or instead to use any description or symbol they choose, as long as it cannot be confused with the widely recognised symbols that are the federally registered (ie. trademarked) certification marks of the MPAA, and may not be used by any other individual or organisation. The US rating board is not associated with the US. government, and its film ratings have no legal meaning.
RATING SYSTEMS: BRITISH
All ages admitted, but some certain scenes can be unsuitable for young children. They should not disturb children aged 8 or older
Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for young children. Cinemas in the UK are only permitted to supply tickets to see a 12A film to children under the age of 12 if they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. However, it is unlikely to be suitable for children under the age of 12.
Only suitable for people aged 12 or older. Illegal to sell a DVD to someone under 12 years
Only suitable for people aged 15 and older.Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail.
Only suitable for people aged 18 or older.Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context.
Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas.Films under this category always contain hard-core pornography, defined as material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity
RATING SYSTEMS: AMERICAN
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