In the realm of film classification, the United Kingdom maintains a detailed and robust system for rating movies based on their content and suitability for different age groups. When it comes to the question, "Can you keep a secret?," the age rating in the UK takes into account various factors such as violence, sex, language, and content that could upset or harm younger viewers. Let's delve into the UK's film classification system to understand how movies are rated, with a specific focus on the film "Can You Keep a Secret?"
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for providing age ratings and guidelines for movies released in the UK. They ensure that the content is suitable for the relevant age groups and provide clear information to help parents make informed decisions about the films they choose to watch with their children.
The Film "Can You Keep a Secret?"
The 2019 film "Can You Keep a Secret?" is a romantic comedy based on Sophie Kinsella's novel of the same name. The movie follows Emma Corrigan, a young woman who spills her secrets to a stranger on a plane, only to discover that he is her company's mysterious CEO. The film's content is primarily centered around romantic situations, relationships, and career-related storylines.
Given the nature of the film's plot, it is essential to examine the factors that the BBFC considers when rating movies and how they might apply to "Can You Keep a Secret?"
Language
The BBFC pays close attention to language used in films, as excessive or strong language can potentially offend or upset viewers. In the case of "Can You Keep a Secret?," the language is generally mild and can be expected to be suitable for a teenage audience. However, some films with strong language may receive a 15 rating from the BBFC, requiring adult supervision for younger viewers.
To put this into perspective, the BBFC has provided guidelines for language in films. They state that the use of "occasional strong language" may be allowed at 'PG' or '12' level, while "frequent strong language" might push the film's rating up to '15'. In "Can You Keep a Secret?", the language is used sparingly and is not likely to be considered frequent or strong, making it suitable for a younger audience.
Sex and Nudity
Another crucial aspect for the BBFC is the portrayal of sex and nudity in films. They evaluate whether the content is likely to be distressing or offensive to viewers and may impose age ratings or require cuts to mitigate any potential harm. In "Can You Keep a Secret?," the content revolves around romantic situations, but there is minimal sexual activity or nudity. There may be some kissing and mild sexual innuendo, which would be considered suitable for a '12' rating, requiring parental guidance for younger viewers.
The BBFC outlines that at the '15' level, films may contain "Sexual activity may be strong but is never explicit." In the case of "Can You Keep a Secret?," the sexual content is not strong or explicit, making it suitable for a younger audience under the supervision of their parents.
Understanding UK Film Classification
The BBFC uses a variety of age ratings to help parents make informed decisions about the films their children watch. The most common age ratings are:
- 'U' - Suitable for all
- 'PG' - Parental Guidance recommended
- '12' - Suitable for 12 years and over
- '12A' - Suitable only for 12 years and over
- '15' - Suitable only for 15 years and over
- '18' - Suitable only for adults
Additionally, the BBFC may assign 'CERT' ratings to films that contain content which, although unsuitable for younger viewers, is considered to be justified by the themes or narrative. The most common 'CERT' ratings are:
- 'CERT 12 C' - Cuts made to reduce the work to a '12' classification
- 'CERT 15 C' - Cuts made to reduce the work to a '15' classification
Understanding these age ratings and their respective guidelines can help parents make informed decisions when selecting films for their families to watch together.
Age Ratings Comparison: "Can You Keep a Secret?" vs. Other Romantic Comedies
To better understand the BBFC's rating for "Can You Keep a Secret?", it is helpful to compare it with other romantic comedies that have similar themes and content. Some popular romantic comedies and their BBFC ratings include:
- "Love Actually" - '12A'
- "The Proposal" - '12A'
- "13 Going on 30" - 'PG-13' (The BBFC equivalent is likely '12' or '12A')
Considering the content and themes present in these films, it is reasonable to expect that "Can You Keep a Secret?" would also receive a '12' or '12A' rating from the BBFC, given its similar nature and lack of strong content.
BBFC Guidelines and Content Advisories
The BBFC provides detailed content advisories for each film they rate, outlining the reasons behind their assigned age rating. These advisories cover various aspects of the film, such as sex, language, violence, and discriminatory language or behavior. For instance, the content advisory for the film "Love Actually" includes information about its sexual content, mild language, and brief moderate violence, helping viewers make informed decisions about the film's suitability for their family.
By reviewing these content advisories, parents and guardians can gain a deeper understanding of the BBFC's rating process and make more informed decisions when selecting films for their families.
In conclusion, "Can You Keep a Secret?" is a romantic comedy that deals with themes of love, relationships, and career aspirations. Given the film's content, it is reasonable to expect a '12' or '12A' age rating from the BBFC, requiring parental guidance for younger viewers. The UK's film classification system, as administered by the BBFC, plays a crucial role in helping parents make informed decisions about the films their children watch, ensuring that they are suitable and enjoyable for the whole family. So, when planning a family movie night, take some time to explore the BBFC's ratings and content advisories, and find the perfect film for you and your loved ones.