The British Board of Film Classification has just launched its annual report, and as always, it’s given an insight into just what British filmgoers have been grumbling about.
The film that generated the largest number of complaints to the BBFC in 2016 was Deadpool, it’s been revealed. The 15-rated film attracted 51 complaints, primarily about the level of violence in the movie. Sex references and strong language were also complained about, in relation to Deadpool. From where we’re sat, it sounds as though people judged it was if it was a 12A movie rather than a 15. The BBFC noted that its guidance comfortably covered the film’s material.
Suicide Squad was next, with a similar problem. 30 complaints were received, mainly from children under the age of 15, or their parents, who were hoping the movie would have got a 12A certificate. The BBFC classified Suicide Squad as 15, and in this instance the grumbles were mainly from people who couldn’t see it, rather than those who did.
Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children was the most complained about 12A feature in 2016, with 20 people writing in, arguing that it’s too scary a movie for the 12A rating that it got. Interestingly, there were further complains about trailers for the film being shown before screenings of Finding Dory and Swallows & Amazons (classified U and PG respectively).
A few others. 19 people complained about the level of violence in the 12A-rated Jason Bourne, and another 19 weren’t happy with the 15-rated Sausage Party. In the case of that one, the strong sex references and level of naughty language caused the consternation. Then 18 wrote in about the level of violence in 10 Cloverfield Lane, classified 12A.
Finally, the threat, violence and dark tone of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice caused ten people to write in.
It’s a fascinating read, the report, and you can find it here.