How does the BBFC treat martial arts violence and weapons?

The BBFC recognises that many young people enjoy the skill and thrill of martial arts action. On the other hand, we have a duty under the Video Recordings Act 1984  to protect the impressionable from the potential dangers of copying the techniques seen on screen,  and injuring themselves or others. Martial arts fights can be classified at any level, depending on the degree of injury, weight of blows and impacts, tone,  and type of weapons employed. A comic fight might receive a lower classification, while fights with blood and injuries, breaking of bones and so on are likely to attract a '15' or '18'. We also make a judgement about the likelihood of children trying to imitate the combat moves seen on screen - what we call 'dangerous imitable techniques'.

Martial arts weapons are treated like any other weapon, in the context in which they appear. Our current concerns with weapons focus more on the use of knives, because these are easily available to most of us at home - whereas few people have access to chain-sticks or throwing stars.

What is the BBFC's attitude to gay sex in films or DVDs? 

The Board is committed to a policy of equality, under which sex scenes are afforded the same treatment whatever the sexual orientation of those taking part,. So, quite simply, whether sex involves heterosexual or homosexual individuals, the same classification standards are applied.

Ask us a Question

<< Back