Censorship Research Assignment

Activity One: Initial Research Questions
Q1. The BBFC censors films in the UK.

Q2. The cinema, the supermarket and video rental stores ensure that access is restricted to certain films.
Q3. If the cinema allows access to an 18 film to somebody underage they can be given an official warning or fined.
Q4. Some film companies would ask specifically for an 18 certificate because it makes the film appear edgier and scarier, those eligible to watch are more likely to see it because of this appearance. Also, there have been many complaints as with lower ratings the younger audience may ruin the film for others by coming in large groups and being noisy and disruptive.

Activity two: Horror Censorship Research
1. The Grudge 2

'The Grudge 2' has a certificate of 15, this rating was given as the BBFC says it contains "strong supernatural horror and threat" which a 15 year old would be able to understand isn't real plus the film does not show violence or gore.

2.The Skeleton Key

"The Skeleton Key" was given a 15 rating by the BBFC due to scenes of "infrequent strong violence and sustained menace" as a younger audience may feel encouraged to act violently whereas a slightly older audience would be more mature and have a better understanding.

3. Saw

The certificate for "Saw" is an 18 due to "strong bloody violence language" as throughout "Saw" there are scenes of very realistic gore which younger audiences may be too sensitive to view.

4. "Wrong Turn"

The rating for "Wrong Turn" is an 18 because it features "strong bloody violence and horror". The theme of cannibalism runs throughout which is a sensitive topic younger audiences won't understand.

5. "Wolf Creek"

Due to it's use of "strong bloody violence and very strong language" this film has a rating of 18. It is becoming clear now that strong violence and language are factors which make a 15 an 18 because of their unsuitability for younger audiences.

6. "Final Destination"

"Final Destination" was given the rating of a 15 because of "strong language and horror", despite some gore the film is not disturbing enough to give it an 18 rating.

7. "Blair Witch Project"

This film uses "strong language and horror" to scare it's audience giving it a 15 rating.