The British Board of Film Classification Updates Guidelines Based on Public Attitudes

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has been making waves in the film industry with its recent efforts to update and reclassify older films to meet contemporary standards. Last year alone, the group rerated more than 30 films, and in February, it made headlines by giving a stricter rating to the beloved classic “Mary Poppins” due to racial slurs.

According to a recent survey of British moviegoers, the BBFC has updated its guidelines to reflect shifting public attitudes. While audiences have become more lenient about depictions of cannabis use, they are now more concerned about intense violence and bad language, especially when it comes to younger viewers.

“We follow what people tell us, and we update our standards as societal attitudes change,” said David Austin, the board’s chief executive.

When distributors rerelease movies in theaters, on streaming services, or on DVD, they may be required to resubmit the films to the ratings board. Many voluntarily choose to do so in hopes of receiving a lower rating or to ensure that the rating matches the content, as what was once considered acceptable onscreen may no longer be.

Under the newest guidelines, both the 2018 Transformers movie “Bumblebee” and the 1963 James Bond classic “From Russia With Love” would receive a different rating if resubmitted for updated ratings.

Interestingly, in the United States, similar changes rarely happen, as studios do not have to submit their films for reclassification, even if they were rated before the introduction of the modern ratings system in 1984.

The BBFC’s efforts to update and reclassify older films highlight the importance of reflecting changing societal attitudes in the film industry. As audiences evolve, so too must the standards by which films are rated and classified.