The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are responsible for giving films accurate ratings, in the UK. This helps parents make informed decisions to not scar their young.
Snow White
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was first classified as A, this meaning under 16s had to be accompanied by an adult. In 1953, RKO Radio Pictures requested to have the film revised. BBFC declared the film could indeed be U if they were willing to make a few cuts, which RKO promptly declined and instead appealed to local authorities. There were mixed results, some allowed the movie to be shown U, whilst others kept BBFC's A rating. In 1964 the company decided to agree to the cuts, considering it was U in some areas of the country but not in others. Disney agreed to make the cuts and a cut version was shown as U. But in 1987, the film's 50th anniversary, the cuts were waived and the movie was once again shown uncut, with a universal rating this time. This decision was made when the examiners and a group of children didn't find the movie that frightening. And that is still the rating standing today.
17/01/2022
13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is a Netflix original series mostly classified as 15, four episodes however were classified as 18, in the initial revision of the show. These were classified 15/18 as they depict scenes of sexual assault, suicide, self-harm, depression, mental health issues, drug misuse, bullying, under age drinking, sexualization of teens, and bullying.
BBFC's CEO, President and Vice President pondered a potential cut of the long suicide scene, as previous films had to be cut to achieve an age 18 rating. The scene was ultimately classified as 18. In a statement to the media they "do not consider the series as a whole to be suitable for those who are not adults."
Season 2, 13 Reasons Why: Beyond The Reasons, was given a 15 rating.
For the release of season 3, in July 2019, Netflix edited season 1 and removed scenes portraying suicide, which had sparked controversy and debate. The scenes were re-edited following advice from experts. Netflix also noted younger audiences had contacted them stating the show had prompted discussions of difficult themes.
In august 2019, season 3 was given a 15 rating, this due to the fact it was not as strong as the 2 prior seasons. Flashbacks of sexual violence from the 2 previous seasons are shown, however this was not enough to give the season, as a whole, an age 18 rating.
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