The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has been making waves in the film industry with its recent efforts to update and modernize its rating system. Last year, the BBFC rerated more than 30 older films to align with contemporary standards, and in February, it gave a stricter rating to the beloved classic “Mary Poppins” due to racial slurs.
The BBFC has been proactive in seeking feedback from British moviegoers to understand shifting public attitudes towards film content. Based on a recent survey, the board has updated its guidelines to reflect a more lenient stance on depictions of cannabis use, while placing greater emphasis on intense violence and language for younger viewers.
“We follow what people tell us, and we update our standards as societal attitudes change,” said David Austin, the board’s chief executive.
In line with the updated guidelines, films like “Bumblebee” and “From Russia With Love” would receive different ratings if resubmitted for classification today. The BBFC’s ratings range from U (universal) to R18 (pornographic content), with specific age restrictions for certain categories.
Interestingly, distributors are legally required to request a new rating when re-releasing films classified before 1982, the year modern ratings were introduced. This has led to films like “Rocky” and “Enter the Dragon” receiving updated ratings to reflect evolving attitudes towards violence and language.
While the BBFC is diligent in updating its guidelines, the same cannot be said for the American ratings system. The Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA) in the US lacks a systematic process for updating its guidelines, with studios largely self-regulating their films.
Despite the differences in approach, both the BBFC and CARA aim to reflect public sentiment in their ratings. With the film industry constantly evolving, the role of film classification boards in shaping audience experiences remains crucial.
