What is a children's film?

A children film is not a specific category of film. It can be anything from a fantasy to a comedy it is defined by the fact that it is entertaining and suitable for a younger audience, this doesn't necessarily mean that older people will not find it entertaining normally there is a subtle adult humour specific designed to keep adults entertained, it can be refereed to as a family film. a children's film is classified partly by its bbfc rating which a guideline on what age a person should be before being shown a certain movie. Children's films are more and more animated or done on computers which allows film makers to push the boundaries more because it is detached from reality. Watership down is the most dramatic example of this. A children's film is more defined by how the bbfc classifies it. For example a U film is usually a children's film as adults like more violence and peril, so the target audience which is families will see the U classification and know its appropriate for their child and most likely will be made for children.

It is rated as a U film.
Shrek is a classic children's film is has comedy, action and romance but its all done in a child friendly way with a happy ending and jokes that younger and older people can understand and enjoy.

Age ratings

U rating

a U rating means Universal which means that it should not upset most people aged over 4. it should have a positive feel to the film and any violence, horror or anything upsetting should have a positive counterbalance to make the child happy.

a U film should not:

•  have any discriminatory language or behavior unless it is shown to be bad
•  have drug taking and any references should be subtle unless it is shown to be bad
•  have any dangerous behavior a child may then copy

a U film should:

•  if there is any horror it should be mild and not last long
•  only have natural nudity
•  only have mild bad language
•  mild sexual behavior
•  mild violence

UP is a example of a U movie.

PG

A PG film means children of any age can watch unaccompanied however a PG should not disturb a child of over 8. A PG film is a parental guidance film where a parent may decide to watch the film with their children to make sure its contents do not upset their child.

a PG film normally will not include:

• discriminatory language unless it is in a historical content or shown to be bad
• have long frightening scenes
• no dangerous behavior that a child may want to then copy

a PG film can include

• references to drugs use as long as it is either subtle or have a anti-drug message
• mild bad language
• natural nudity
• sex should only be implied but in a subtle way that younger audiences wont understand
• moderate violence is allowed as long as it has no detail e.g. blood

Harry Potter is a example of a PG film