When New York is besieged by ghosts, it's up to a team of Ghostbusters – played by Bill Murray, Harold Raimis, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson – to save the day.
Classification Issues
- Sex
- There are a few moments of sexual humour. In one scene, the zipper on a man's trousers is pulled down by an invisible ghostly figure, after which the expression on the man's face suggests something sexual is happening. In another scene, a possessed woman tells a man she wants him 'inside' her.
- There are a few moments of sexual humour. In one scene, the zipper on a man's trousers is pulled down by an invisible ghostly figure, after which the expression on the man's face suggests something sexual is happening. In another scene, a possessed woman tells a man she wants him 'inside' her.
- Additional issues
- There are scenes of mild horror as ghosts threaten the city, with scary faces looming at the camera. Bad language includes uses of 'shit', 'piss' and 'dick'.
Classification history
Ghostbusters was first submitted to the BBFC in June 1984 and classified PG for its language, innuendo and potentially scary scenes. Examiners noted suggestive innuendo involving Ray and a ghost, as well as an Exorcist-type sequence when the film’s female lead, Dana, levitates and speaks in a deep voice, her body having been inhabited by the demonic Zuul. There was no 12 or 12A rating available at the time, the former being introduced for cinema releases in 1989 and being replaced by the latter in 2002.
Ghostbusters remained at PG on video when it was submitted again in 1985, 1993, 1995 and 2009. However, when the film was resubmitted for cinema classification in 2011, it was classified 12A for moderate sex references and subsequently passed at 12 on DVD/Blu-ray.
The content advice published alongside the 2011 classification of the film explains: “The BBFC's Guidelines at 'PG' state there may be 'Mild sex references and innuendo only'. The film contains a number of sex references, both verbal and visual, that exceed this allowance. Most notable is a scene in which it is implied that a ghost is performing oral sex on a man. As the man's trousers and zip are unfastened, the camera moves to his face as he sinks back on the bed with his eyes crossed in pleasure. Later, a woman who has been possessed by a demon rolls about on a bed with a man and tells him: "I want you inside me". Although these references were permitted at 'PG' in the 1980s, when there was no classification available between 'PG' and '15', they are now more appropriately classified at '12A' where the Guidelines state 'Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers'.”
