U symbol means Universal. Films that are given this rating should be suitable for audiences aged four and above. Although it is generally down to the parent to whether the younger children watch the film as there maybe some content that their child may find scary or upsetting. U rated films are aimed at very young viewers such as pre-school children. There is no content related to discrimination, drugs, horror, bad behaviour or language sex related topics or nudity. The audience could see some mild language such as damn and hell and also bloody or bugger but these are stated. Activities such as hugging and kissing, brief fight scene and scenes where the characters are placed in a small danger are allowed in a U rated film, there is also no referencing to drugs unless it is a anti drugs educational themed film. All gay and straight characters are treated the same. The themes that are explored in most U rated films are about; loyalty, honesty, educational or friendship.
PG stands for Parental Guidance, what this means is that the film that has been given that rating is suitable for general viewing although there maybe some parts that are unsuitable for younger children. The content that is in a PG film should be suitable for children around the age of eight and older although it is generally up to the parent to whether they feel the film is suitable for their child. Some of the themes that are allowed to be explored in a PG film are domestic violence, bereavement and racism. A PG rated film can be allowed a few swear words such as "Shit" although it is only allowed to be mentioned a few times, if there is too much swearing the film then goes into the next rating category. Conversations related to sex are accepted although it must be in small detail and gay and straight relationships are treated the same. There may be some blood although actual fight scenes are not allowed. Some drug related conversation is allowed although this should not be made obvious to the audience unless the film is an eductional film based on anti drugs. 
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can see the film. The "A" stands for accompained which means that children younger than 12 can also see the film but have to be accompanied by an adult when they watch the the film. Strong language is allowed in a 12A film although in must be used infrequently, if the strong language is used alot then it is classed as a 15 rated film instead. The sex content is to be brief and discreet and gay and straight characters are treated the same. The tyoe of violence that can be expected in a 12A film should not be detailed and any use of weapons should not be advertised or glamouroused. Some horror films can be passed as a 12A. Dangourous drug use and also dangouus behaviour such as suiside or hanging can be seen in a 12A film be should not be shown in detail.
A 12 rated film is very similar to a 12A film apart from the 12A is only used at the cinema once the film is brought out onto DVD and Blu-ray it is then given a 12 rating.
If a fiilm is given the rating of a 15 this means that nobody is allowed to see the film unless they are 15 and older, even if they are with a parent. A film that is rated a 15 has more violence, frequent swearing and references to drugs and sex and is a lot more indetail about these topic than a 12 rated film. The audience could expect to see racist activity and homophobic language. In a 15 rated film sexual activity and also strong violence and sexual violence can be shown as long as it is not in great detail. Some horror films are rated as a 15, this must mean that the amount of gore is limited, if there is alot the film would go up to be a 18 rated film.
Films that are 18 rated are for adults only, the content in the film is not suitable for children of any age. There are no themes that the films can or cannot be about. The audience can be expected to see very strong language, this can be used as many times as possible. sexual activity including full nudity and violence, strong horror and blood and gore, and discriminatory behavouir and langage this could include racism and homophomic language. Drugs can be shown but the film but not be based upon promiting drugs or drug misuse.
R18 is a rating that is mainly used for films contain high sex conent or equvielent containing adults. These films must only be shown in licesed cinemas and can only be supploed by adults in licesed shops. These films cannot be supplied by mail order.
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