Pride Context

                    BBFC classification and controversies over pride rating

Overall, Pride (2014) appeals to most age groups and particularly one    demographic. However, the BBFC, (British Board of Film Classification)    responsible for the national classification and censorship of films displayed at cinemas and television, decided to label Pride as a movie suitable for 15 years and older. Reason being, the film includes “occasional strong language and two scenes of a sexual nature”. These scenes encompass a group of characters that discover a pornographic magazine as well as a scene set in a gay club where men are depicted wearing bondage clothing.

However, the ‘MPAA’ (Motion Picture Association of America) gave the fil an R rating, equivalent to a UK 15. They came to the decision of giving the film an R rating ostensibly because of ‘gay content’.  Obviously, this sparked immediate outrage amongst millions due to the age rating restricting innumerable amounts of young homosexuals from being able to watch the movie.

British human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, argues “It is outrageous, knee-jerk homophobia. There’s no significant sex or violence in Pride to justify strong ratings. The American classification board seems to automatically view any film with even the mildest gay content as unfit for people under 17.” Unequivocally, this is an opinion shared by many.