15 certificate film information

The 15 rated symbol means no-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD.  15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

All films need to be analysed on a case by case basis as it can be very difficult to class certain situations on film without actually viewing it and analysing such details. If a film is to be certified as 15, in the United Kingdom, it has to be around certain guidelines. The following is a list of what is most likely to warrant a 15 certificate, although it is a very rough guide:

·         The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

·         Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

·         Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

·         Dangerous behaviour (e.g hanging, suicide and self-harming) is allowed provided the detail of such is low so that it cannot create too much of an impression of the viewer. Abuse of weapons which are easily obtained will not be tolerated.

·         Frequent use of strong language can be permitted.

·         Nudity in a sexual content must be restricted however nudity in a non-sexual content does not.

·         Sexual activity without strong detail would most likely to be allowed. Some strong sexual references may be allowed to, but very strong ones may not, unless used within reason.

In a 15 certificate film the language used is quite strong. There is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language (eg f***). Occasionally there may be uses of the strongest terms (eg c***), although continued or aggressive use will not normally be passed at 15.

There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language, and the work could explore themes relating to this.

However, at 15 the work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.