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OCTOBER 19, 2005 at 1:31 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: CBBC Newsround
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has given
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire a 12A rating in the UK. The rating means that children under 12 can go and see it but only if they are with a parent or guardian. According to the BBFC the rating was given because the movie is "scarier and darker" than the others.
In an interview with CBBC Newsround, Helen Pang of the BBFC discusses the process in deciding the ratings and the reason why GoF received the rating it did:
The latest Harry Potter film is much darker and scarier than the previous three, which were all classified PG (Parental Guidance, suitable for people aged around 8 or older).
So Examiners decided that the 12A was the most suitable category, as younger or more sensitive viewers could be frightened by some of the more intense scenes (which I can't reveal as you'd get upset with me!).
The ending was a shock too, although maybe if you have read the books, you'll be expecting it anyway.
At 12A, we allow moderate level violence, but without focus on injuries or blood. We also allow scenes of threat and horror, but only if there is little 'gore'.
The UK rating seems similar to the one in the U.S., which was released back in August.
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Auror
Points: 2469
Fat Lady Sings says:
It has been interesting to read these posts and to learn about the rating systems in other countries.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:28 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1547
erin4HP says:
Ok well thats fascinating...not! I dont mind really cos none of the age ratings will affect me cos I'm 16 and they're hardly gonna rate it older than that so....!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:34 PM EST
Witch
Points: 854
Khay says:
So that's about the same as a PG13 in the States? Sounds like the right thing to do considering how much darker and more serious the books have become.
Kay
XoXo
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:38 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1380
Chadick says:
Even though I don't live in the UK, I think that the most appropriate rating for this movie. I just hope that it will live up to my expectations, hehe... Can't wait!!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:39 PM EST
Witch
Points: 622
*Hermione!* says:
Wow! That's cool. It's a good thing they put ratings on movies. I think they should rerate jaws. Seriously.
But then, the books should be rated. Kids under, like, thirteen shouldn't read the HP books four and up.
It's just too mature.
But of course, my mom started reading HP to me whan I was about seven.
*Hermione!*
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:48 PM EST
Slytherin's Golden Locket
Points: 7863
Lady oF Shadows says:
So thats about the same as PG-13 ... well I think its a right thing to do , it certainly isn't suitable for younger kids to watch this ..
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:50 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 99
GinnysAuror41 says:
So that's about the same as a PG13 in the States? So thats only fair i guese.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:55 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
cool!
Those ratings are a lot different from the US ones......I think that there should only be one rating system....oh well...........haha
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:57 PM EST
Hogwart's Ghost
Points: 2604
gemma_barnett1985 says:
Im glad it is, i myself will probably go the midnight showing which is over 18 only.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 2:59 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1737
HermyG13 says:
Wow! I guess the ending is rather gruesome?! I can't wait to see it; the only PG-13 adventure movie I won't be afraid of...I hope!!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:03 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1968
Silverblood says:
What can be scary in HP movie? Ok, I guess it is only me... 12A is great, I agree, yeah ;))))
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:06 PM EST
Witch
Points: 925
loony_futuregirl2 says:
Excellent! I have been waiting so long! But if this recieves a 12A in the UK and a PG-13 in America then what will HBP get?
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:07 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2767
Professor Grubbly-Plank says:
I am not surprised. It has received a pg13 rating here in the states.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:08 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 341
i_am_hermione says:
Well, this really should have been expected after it was rated PG-13 in the United States. I'm not surprised, I think that it would have dissapointed me if it got anything less than PG-13 (or 12A, whatever.)
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:09 PM EST
The Faerie Queene
Points: 3277
merri maven says:
The rating makes sense to me because there is a higher level of darkness and violence in this book. This does have younger children look at death and grief on such a large screen.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:10 PM EST
Points: 1797
howdoideletethis says:
Yeah, I think 12a or pg-13 rating is going to be needed for the next movies ahead, because of all the dying and violence, and, well, theres also romance (hehe, just snogging). So... yeah, to have little kids seeing all that wouldn't be good.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:11 PM EST
Original of the Species
Points: 4364
Spell Weaver says:
Some people are astonished at the higher rating this movie has received. I get tired of people saying "it's darker." The books are too, Harry is growing up and facing adult challenges so naturally things are not going to stay warm and fuzzy. I can't wait for the movie. GOF is my favorite book of the series.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:20 PM EST
Head Boy
Points: 454
Voldemort's Enemy says:
Good taht under 12 can watch it too with parents of course.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:21 PM EST
Vampire
Points: 2939
Dansgirl34 says:
Its kinda weird that I have never paid attention to how different the rating systems are in different countries! Oh well its not to surprising it go 12A(which I wouldn't know what it meant if hpana didn't explain it, don't forget what I said above about not realizing how different movie ratings are in different places) if you think about all the dark stuff going on! The person seemed to like the movie which is cool! Only 29 days left until Gof, so exciting!!!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:23 PM EST
Witch
Points: 834
Lily's Husband101 says:
That is not a surprise!!!!!!! It is gonna be scary and darker..........
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:34 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1338
Toms_Girl13 says:
Wow. You have to have an adult if your under twelve? For once I'm glad I don't live in England. My friends and I have always gone to see movies alone, since we were ten, and we wouldn't have been able to see Harry Potter!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:37 PM EST
Heiress of Gryffindor
Points: 3537
Nienna Narmolanya says:
Heh.
Well, 12A doesn't seem too bad. I'm thirteen so I can go see it in either country, anyway. Haha. Well, of course there's violence. I think this book had more violence that the fifth and sixth books, but less gore than the sixth book (C'mon...Inferi). I can't wait to see it!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:39 PM EST
Mrs. Rob Pattinson
Points: 3851
Tonks&Lupin4ever says:
I fully understand it! The books are getting much darker and the movies should go along with it!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:47 PM EST
Dan Radcliffe's Lovah
Points: 8780
JaDa Radcliffe says:
Well, they did describe the movie as darker and more intense so i guess it deserves that rating.. But anyway, come on now, GoF!!=)
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:52 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1726
Hermionebrain says:
I wondered what they would have for a rating in the UK since it's going to be PG-13 here in the US.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:54 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1237
HeadmistressMcGonagall says:
That's a high rating...I guess. I'm from the US, so I guess that would be high. Meh, I dunno.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:55 PM EST
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