Young fans who saw Jaws in 1975 certainly thought it was safe to go back into the cinema.
However, the censors have not yet agreed to this. They have given the Steven Spielberg classic – and a host of other blockbusters including The Empire Strikes Back – stricter ratings.
It is necessary to be in line with current attitudes, they claim. Some films, such as Ghostbusters and Raiders of the Lost Ark, are also being reclassified.
Jaws has seen its rating raised from PG – meaning parental guidance is advised for young children – to 12A
Raiders of the Lost Ark began in 1981 as a PG-rated video issue. Last year, however, the movie was released again and it received a 12A rating.
Jaws has seen its rating raised from PG – meaning parental guidance is advised for young children – to 12A, meaning under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.
The ‘threat of injury’ scenes in certain scenes were deemed appropriate for a greater age rating. However, 12A didn’t exist at the time that the film was given a PG.
The Empire Strikes Back, from 1980, previously had a U rating – suitable for all aged four and over. It has been lifted to PG due to brief ‘moderate violence’ – including a scene in which Luke Skywalker’s hand is chopped off in a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader.
According to the British Board of Film Classification, the changes will ‘keep up with society’s current direction’.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring has been also made a 12A because of’regular fantasy battle scenes involving stabbing and slashing, as well as arrow impacts.
The Empire Strikes Back, from 1980, previously had a U rating – suitable for all aged four and over
Only distributors can submit films for classification. The BBFC then applies the most current guidelines.
Raiders of the Lost Ark was originally PG in 1981 for the video issue. However, the film’s cinema release last year saw it be rated 12A for moderate violence and horror, which is consistent with the guidelines.
Ghostbusters received an identical upgrade because of a sex scene. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring has been upgraded to 12A for regular scenes of fantasy battle that involve stabbing, slashing, and arrow impacts.
Ghostbusters was upgraded from PG-12A to 12A as a result of an alleged sex scene
The BBFC uses extensive public consultations to formulate its guidelines. It points out that some films’ ratings have dropped.
The Fast and Furious (2001) was dropped from a 15, to a 12,A, after the distributor cut a bloody scene.
Chris Davies is the BBFC compliance manager. He stated: “It’s our job to maintain pace with society and to make sure our standards exceed the expectations of the people in the UK.
After a scene that was bloody was cut by the distributor, The Fast and the Furious was dropped from 15 to 12A in 2001.