IRON MAN - TOO VIOLENT FOR CHILDREN?

By Graham Young on Apr 30, 08 08:46 PM

THE latest Marvel hero Iron Man arrives on Midland cinema screens on Thursday - armed with just a 12A certificate.

This means children of any age could, in theory, be exposed to some rather heavy duty violence.

According to the BBFC, the general consumer advice is simply this: 'Iron Man contains moderate violence and one use of moderate language'.

But a more detailed explanation of its reaction is featured on the link below - though do beware there may be some plot spoilers depending on how much information you like to know about a film before you watch it.

In my view, Iron Man is only suitable for children aged 12 and over.

And, really, it ought to be a 15 given some of the explosive violence.

I particularly didn't like a scene in which a man is repeatedly stamped on, just the sort of scene which alarms me more than relative fantasy gun violence.

So what does 12A mean? According to the BBFC, the brief meaning is as follows (with more detail again on the link below).

12A - Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a '12' rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.

But, really. How many parents are going to be caring enough to see a film first before they then decide whether to let their children go?

My eldest child is six months short of her 11th birthday, but she won't be seeing this, never mind the two younger ones.

Although I'd advise parents to stick to the 12 in the 12A - not least because the film is relatively slow I know for sure that many won't and that they'll be all to eager to give in.

As for my verdict on the film, I'm still torn between three and four stars. Find out which way I go in this Friday's May 2 edition of the Birmingham Mail when the film will be on the cover of our bumper What's On section.

THE BBFC'S FULL VERDICT ON IRON MAN WHICH HAS BEEN PASSED WITHOUT ANY CUTS MADE

(warning: may contain plot details you don't want to know!)

IRON MAN is a sci-fi action film about an American industrialist who creates an armoured suit following his capture in Afghanistan and subsequently uses this technology to fight evil. It was passed '12A' for moderate violence and one use of moderate language.

The BBFC's Guidelines at '12A' with regard to violence state that 'Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood' whilst those for horror state that 'Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only'. Although much of the violence here occurs within a fantastical context and the violence between the armour-suited hero and his similarly suited enemy generally lacks realism, there are occasional scenes showing personalised violence (e.g. brief sights of the hero's head being forced underwater when he is tortured, a male hostage threatened with a burning coal held close to his face, brief sight of men engulfed in flame or with their legs on fire and sight of a man being stamped on repeatedly and kicked as his son tries to help him) that exceed the 'PG' Guidelines but which are in line with '12A' Guidelines because they do not dwell on the infliction of pain and injury and are either brief or lack gory detail as the violence is masked from view.

There are also some brief horror scenes (e.g. when an electromagnet is implanted into - or removed from - the hero's chest cavity and when a device is used to cause short-term paralysis in the hero) but these are in line with '12A' Guidelines due to their brevity, restraint or occasional humour.

There is also one use of moderate language ('prick') that is not acceptable at 'PG' where Guidelines state that 'Mild bad language only' is allowed.

IRON MAN also contains infrequent mild sex and sex references with sexual activity being implied (e.g. a man and a woman are shown kissing on a bed before the scene ends) and sex references being mildly suggestive (e.g three clothed women dance in front of two men in a mildly provocative fashion) or oblique (e.g. when a man alludes to the hero's conduct with some magazine 'cover models'). The film also contains some mild language (e.g. 'son of a bitch', 'Jesus').

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Further definitions of a 12A

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Language

The use of strong language (eg 'fuck') must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.

Violence

Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.

Imitable techniques

Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Horror

Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional.