This Valentine’s Day, prepare yourself for an epic love story, with the arrival of the fantasy drama, Wuthering Heights. The film – from director Emerald Fennell – lands in cinemas this month, and promises to make somewhat of an impact during the most romantic time of the year.
Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, Wuthering Heights is loosely inspired by Emily Brontë’s book of the same name, and focuses on the turbulent relationship between two key characters: Catherine ‘Cathy’ Earnshaw and Heathcliff. When the two are together, sparks fly, and passions ignite, leading to a whole lot of love.
Sounds like steamy, saucy, stuff, right? Well, in the hands of Saltburn director Emerald Fennell it certainly promises to be.
But when Wuthering Heights opens in cinemas will it prove a bit too steamy and saucy for all age groups? Let’s have a look at the rating to find out.
—
Wuthering Heights UK age rating
In the UK, Wuthering Heights has been awarded a ‘15’ certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The film has received this rating due to “disturbing images, strong sex, sex references (and) language.”
In terms of the sexual content the BBFC advises the movie contains “thrusting, riding and implied oral sex.” There are scenes where “a man and woman engage in consensual abusive and fetishistic behaviour (and) there are also strong verbal and visual sex references.”
In the UK ‘15’ certificate movies are deemed suitable for audiences aged 15 or over, meaning no one below the age of 15 is permitted to watch a ‘15’ certificate film in a UK cinema. As such, the BBFC believe Wuthering Heights is certainly too steamy for some audiences, and definitely not suitable for those who are younger than 15.
—
Wuthering Heights US age rating
In the US, things are a little different.
Wuthering Heights has been rated ‘R’ by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which means the movie is classed as ‘restricted’ viewing. Wuthering Heights has received this rating due to sexual content, some violent content and language.
In the US, restricted viewing means no one under the age of 17 can view an ‘R’ rated movie unaccompanied. The MPAA believe the film contains some material which might not be suitable for all ages.
However (and here’s where things differ from the UK to the US), audiences below the age of 17 can watch an ‘R’ rated movie in a US cinema, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. This means, technically a child of 7 could watch Wuthering Heights, as long as mom or dad are in attendance.
Now, does this mean they should? Well, this is where it comes down to the parent or guardian to decide based on the information provided.
The MPAA’s advice is that parents should learn more about the movie before taking their young children to a screening to decide if the film really is suitable. The ‘R’ rating is there for guidance, so do use the advice wisely.
—
—
Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Wuthering Heights. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
It's A Stampede! 
Leave a comment