JAWS

JAWS is a 1975 drama in which a small US island community is terrorised by a great white shark. The film was originally classified 'A' for cinema release in 1975 and was subsequently classified 'PG' for video release in 1987 and 1993. This cinema re-release has been classified '12A' for moderate threat and occasional gory moments.

At the time the film was submitted for video classification the '12' certificate had not yet been introduced. Given how well known the film is and given the fact it had been classified 'A' for cinema release in the 1970s (which was broadly equivalent to the modern 'PG' certificate), the decision was taken that JAWS should be classified at 'PG' rather than at the next available certificate of '15'. However, the film is clearly more appropriately classified at the '12A' level now that another classification is available between 'PG' and '15'.

There are a number of frightening scenes in which the shark threatens or attacks humans. The scenes in question are too prolonged and intense for a 'PG' classification by modern standards but are permissible at '12A' where the BBFC's Guidelines state 'Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained'. The shark attack scenes are occasional rather than frequent and are separated by lengthy interludes of dialogue, narrative and humour. Even during the later sections of the film, in which the shark is hunted, the moments of threat are broken up by other material, with a particular focus on the ingenuity and bravery of the men.

Some of the shark attacks include sight of blood and brief gory images, for example a spray of blood when a boy is attacked, sight of a severed leg dropping to the bottom of the sea, sight of a dead man's head underwater and sight of a severed limb that has been washed up on a beach and which is subsequently examined. These scenes exceed the terms of the Guidelines at 'PG', which state 'Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed' and are more appropriately classified at '12A' where 'Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail' and where 'Occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context'. Although the bloody and gory images occur within a real world setting, they are seen only briefly and occur in the context of animal attacks rather than human violence. As a result, the violence is not sadistic in nature and the brief blood and gore serves to establish what has happened rather than emphasising blood or injuries.

JAWS also contains a brief scene of soft drug use as a marijuana joint is passed and smoked in the background during a party scene. It also features brief female breast nudity in a non sexual context and some mild bad language, including uses of 'shit', 'damned', 'God', 'Christ', 'bastards', 'goddamn', 'son of a bitch', 'crap', 'frigging', 'ass', 'screw around', 'bloody'. Cigarette and pipe smoking is shown in a number of scenes. However, this reflects the period in which JAWS was made and smoking is not specifically glamorised or promoted.

Parents can find additional information about the content of this film if they visit www.pbbfc.co.uk.