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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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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
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1345
Dracos_Gurl13 says:
Well that makes it about equal to the PG-13 rating it gets in the states although I would have thought that they would have given it a lower rating since the author of the book itself lives there. But I guess that the rules apply to everyone so that's that.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:57 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2419
Gwenyth says:
Ohh thats means the film will be extra action filled and more mature. That makes me happy.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 3:58 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 92
*GinevraW* says:
I think all movies should be rated 12A...why would anyone allow a child younger than twelve to go see a movie without parental supervision anyway? We should get on this rating system in Canada!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:00 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1789
Veela~Girl says:
Not surprising, or out of reason. I mean, I don't even remember going to movies without my parents before I was 12 anyways, so it doesn't seem like a big problem.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:00 PM EST
Student
Points: 289
Overlord Dobby says:
I'm glad that it got what its rated, and it was neat learning other systems of rating. Although I don't think it'll stop people from taking their children if they've been with the whole HP series. Getting closer...!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:03 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 314
~*Cedric Diggory*~ says:
Yah, 12A is practically the same as a PG13.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:09 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2563
School Governor says:
It is not a surprise, the books deal with more mature stuff, so it is good that the films are treated in the same way.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:12 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1720
hpforever138 says:
Well if it's about the same as PG-13 then it makes sence I could except to be anything different.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:17 PM EST
Hermione's Twin
Points: 5063
*Miss Hermione Granger* says:
I think the rating is approaite.Like this os going to be the scairiest yet and I remember I poa there was people sqeaking now and then when Lupin turned into a werewolf so Its right.Though it means for me I will have to carry my little cousin!!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:17 PM EST
Witch
Points: 508
Trianna says:
This book is the darkest yet released as a movie, and fans will not be deterred from seeing it just because of the rating. Then again I can even get into NC-17 movies now so this matter doesn't affect me! ^.^
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:19 PM EST
Hogwart's Jedi Princess
Points: 3491
Darth Amanda says:
The ending was a shock too, although maybe if you have read the books, you'll be expecting it anyway.
Well duh...yeah we read the books.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:24 PM EST
Witch
Points: 755
Sm7 says:
In the u.S it's PG-13. Which means the same thing exsept it's no one under 13.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:27 PM EST
Half-Blooded Fooch
Points: 2447
fooch48 says:
This is definatley one of the scarier HP books. Parents should be involved in deciding wether or not their younger children will be allowed to view the movie.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:33 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3345
Frito says:
I've been able to get into PG 13 movies since I was 11... that's when I first tried, they don't really enforce it. Do they in the UK?
I read GOF when I was 9 or 10... I'll admit that it did scare me.. I have a very vivid imagination....
But I don't really care about ratings... so yeah... I don't know why I typed all of that...
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:33 PM EST
Celebrity Stalker
Points: 5612
Roni <3 says:
That rating is suitable and understandable. This is suppose to be, and is described as the darkest and most intense of the films so far. This rating doesn't affect any of us of course, since we are all over 12.. but I think it is a good thing that they decided to stick with a rating of 12A.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:44 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1509
Aurore says:
I'm glad the rating is higher because it usually (usually not always) means that movies are scarier and deeper then kiddie movies and movies like those are always interesting to me. And I always thought the movies quickly skipped scary parts in the books. I'm so excited!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:51 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1348
~*Veela Grl *~ says:
Okay everyone! If you read the book and are a true Harry Potter fan then you know it is going to be darker! I mean, come on people!!! I can't wait for the movie by the way. Loved the book and I'm sure I'll love the movie too!!!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 4:58 PM EST
The Warrior Sorceress
Points: 3333
Devilish Katlyn says:
Hmm, that sounds about right. Goblet does have a bit of gore, not to mention the death thing. So, yeah. That's about right!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:07 PM EST
Witch
Points: 739
The 4th Champion says:
That's like PG 13 here, isn't it? It looks appropiate with the trailers and pictures we've seen.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:13 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1578
*sweet_angel_baby* says:
Well the rating system is different here in canada from the uk and the u.s, so i dont know if it's a high rating for the movie...but im guessing it is. I think it'll only be rated pg (parental guidence) here in canada...
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1805
Swimangel57 says:
I personally think this is great!! It just shows how these books aren't really for kids anymore... HOORAY!!! I can't wait to see it!
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:33 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3651
Saint Hedwig says:
I guess that's not too bad, considering how many scary scenes there are to be anticipated in to movie. But I was only five when I saw this movie about monster spiders made out of metal attacking people on the moon, and it wasn't that bad to me, considering my age level. But I guess the majority of people 12 and under would need an adult supervisor to see this film.
.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:37 PM EST
Dancing in the Rain
Points: 3118
~*harry's girl*~ says:
I'm really excited about the higher ratings. I'm looking forward to it being darker and more mature. Although, I don't think the ratings will stop young children from seeing it, just warn them. I feel so smart because now I know about movie ratings in Britain! I'm so looking forward to this!!! That comment about how the ending was surprising but not if we read the books...duh we've read the books! What do they take us for!? :-)
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:42 PM EST
Sarcastic Sally
Points: 5088
Lucius's Luscious Lady says:
At the risk of sounding like a jerk...
well, duh!
Of course it's scarier. Lord Voldemort comes back and tries to kill Harry. Harry has to go through all these insane things. Of course children under 12 shouldn't see it.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:43 PM EST
Order of the Phoenix
Points: 4073
Eleanor says:
*nods* That was what I had expected when I realised that the books were going to be turned inot movies. There is no way that the Goberlit of Fire should be any less. But I still think that parents will take their children to see it anyway, regardless, as it is Harry Potter.
Posted Oct 19, 2005 at 5:46 PM EST
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