Technically the films aren’t forced to go through the certification procedure. The BBFC is an independent entity run by a board of film directors and such. Their classifications are not mandatory, cinemas and local authorities can provide different certificates if they wish, or ban films which the BBFC is approved. The BBFC system works because everybody agrees it is important. Plus, many stage plays are deemed unsuitable for children and the theaters disallow under 18’s from entering – as with many concerts. Oh, and music with bad language and such carries a sticker, don’t forget.

As for your experience watching a Disney movie while underage, I don’t think that quite compares to, for example, an 8 year old watching films like Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting or Alien. There are some images, concepts and situations that we rightly protect young children from. I think the cinema ratings system has its place.

Back on The Dark Knight, an interesting comment from BBFC was that “a 15 certificate would have denied an important part of the superhero’s fan base the chance to see the film. Younger teenagers would not have been able to see it, and they are the very people who are going to love it.”

I think that supports my idea that the 12 certificate should be tightened up, but the 15 certificate being given a more ‘advisory’ status.

I snuck in with my friend to see Disney’s Blackbeard’s Ghost though we were officially underage (a different rating system was in place at the time). Don’t think it’s done me any long lasting harm. The cinema staff certainly knew we were underage, as did my (quite strict) parents.

Now some book publishers have taken it upon themselves to advertise age guidance. Authors such as Jacqueline Wilson are refusing to take part, rightly so – it will die a death.

I checked out the BBFC comments on Lolita, setting out reasons why it gave it an 18 go-ahead. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/news/press/19980320.html Included is this sentence:

“Indeed the film-makers had played safe by using a 19-year-old body-double for all questionable scenes.”

So that’s all right, then; the actors were safe. Hmmm. Not sure that’s what we want from you, BBFC.