Are Movie Certifications Serious Business or Just a Joke?

Parents and moviegoers alike are increasingly questioning the reliability and consistency of movie ratings, especially in the UK. A notable example of this skepticism is the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification)'s categorization of films that were once considered Parental Guidance (PG) in my childhood, but are now being rated 12 or 12A. This shift has left many baffled and wondering if the system is truly serving its intended purpose.

The Evolution of PG to 12A

Several classic films from my youth that once carried a PG rating are now classified as 12 or 12A. This change brings up the question: why the sudden tightening of what is deemed acceptable for younger viewers? Some of the movies that have recently been recategorized include:

Raiders of the Lost Ark - Once a PG movie, it's now a 12 for some uncut versions. The BBFC's decision to upgrade its rating seems thorough, even for this household classic. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - Temporarily rated PG, this film saw a 12 rating for its current version. The BBFC's reasoning is not immediately clear. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - Carrying a PG rating in the past, this movie is now 12A. The BBFC's rationale for this change is puzzling given the relative maturity of the content. Ghostbusters - Once thought suitable for a general audience, it is now a 12A. This rating change for a comedic classic is indeed surprising. The Goonies - This beloved adventure movie that once held a PG rating is now a 12A. The upgrade in rating comes with a note that the film is "shorter than previously issued versions, with no additional material added, cruder language, and violent sequences." Supergirl - Rated 12A, this feel-good superhero flick is marked by the BBFC as having "vulgarity, threat of serious violence, and coarse language." The upgrade in rating is certainly justified on this basis. Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, and Rocky 5 - These beloved boxing series have all been upgraded from PG to 12A. The BBFC's decision to tighten the rating despite the films' maturity is a point of contention. Diamonds Are Forever - Once a PG film, Diamonds Are Forever is now a 12A. This MPAA rating change merits deeper analysis. Perhaps it has to do with the inclusion of the f-word. Spaceballs - Admittedly a comedy with some crude language, this movie is now rated 12A for its use of the f-word. The BBFC's decision to change the rating for such a harmless comedy is unexpected.

Why the Debate?

The BBFC's decision to upgrade ratings for these films has sparked a wide-ranging debate on the effectiveness, consistency, and rationale of the movie rating system. Parents, teachers, and moviegoers are questioning whether these changes are based on a genuine need to protect younger viewers or if they are simply shifting the blame onto sensitive content without clear justification.

One of the main concerns is that these changes seem disproportionate, especially given the relatively mature content of some of the films. For instance, the changes for Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade may seem unnecessary, as their content is not particularly explicit or violent. Similarly, the changes for Rocky series and Diamonds Are Forever also seem overcautious, given the films' historical context and cultural significance.

Moreover, the inconsistency in the BBFC's decision-making process is another point of contention. For instance, The Goonies, a beloved family film, is marked for its vulgarity, while Spaceballs is similarly marked but remains a 12A. This inconsistency challenges the system's perceived fairness and reliability.

Impact on Families

The impact of these changes goes beyond mere classification; it affects the lives of families and their entertainment choices. Parents are left to navigate a confusing landscape, where beloved classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Rocky are now off-limits to younger viewers without clear reasons.

For many families, these changes create an additional layer of stress and confusion when deciding what to watch. Are we watching a film purely for entertainment, or do we need to consider its rating and content in a way that wasn't the case before? These are significant changes that demand a more transparent and justifiable approach from the BBFC.

The Way Forward

To restore confidence in the system and ensure its effectiveness, the BBFC must adopt a more transparent and consistent approach to rating movies. This could involve:

Clearer Communication: Providing more detailed explanations and justifications for rating changes to the public and parents. Consistent Standards: Ensuring that similar films receive similar ratings, thereby maintaining a level of consistency in the system. Empirical Basis: Relying on empirical data and expert panels to make informed decisions, rather than relying solely on subjective judgments. Community Inclusion: Engaging with the movie-going community, including parents, teachers, and industry experts, to ensure that the rating system reflects the broader cultural context and values.

Ultimately, the goal of the BBFC should be to protect younger viewers while not unnecessarily restricting mature content. By focusing on transparency, consistency, and community engagement, the BBFC can restore trust in its rating system and ensure that it serves its intended purpose effectively.

It is time for a serious reconsideration of the BBFC's approach to rating movies, especially in light of the recent changes to classic films that were once considered perfectly appropriate for a younger audience. The debate over these changes is not just about a shift in movie ratings; it is a reflection of the changing values and cultural norms in society. As parents and moviegoers, we need a rating system that is both fair and just, one that respects the complexities of our entertainment landscape.