The Lego Movie

 Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

 Status: U uncut

 Year: 2014
Genre: Animation, Children, Comedy
Set in a world populated by anthropomorphic Lego mini-figures, the 2014 animated adventure comedy The Lego
Movie tells the story of construction worker Emmet, whose ordinary life in the city of Bricksburg is turned upside
down when he encounters a mysterious object and is identified as the prophesised 'Special', destined to save the
world from the tyrannical Lord Business.
The BBFC gave The Lego Movie a U rating even with ‘mild fantasy violence and very mild bad language'. According to
BBFC guidelines, mild violence may be acceptable at U 'if it is justified by context (for example, comedic, animated,
wholly unrealistic)'.
The Lego Movie features frequent fast-paced action sequences in which the heroes face explosive laser battles and
high-speed chases with Lego robots and Lego skeletons. However, these colourfully animated action sequences are
highly fantastical and packed with funny moments, keeping the tone light and silly. There is no use of realistic
weaponry, and because all the characters are Lego toys we never see any blood, pain or injury detail. The occasional
punches and kicks appear comic and unrealistic due to the Lego characters' limited movement, and we rarely see the
blows connect. Additionally, the madcap action is offset by the film's heart-warming message and reassuring happy
ending.
In perhaps the strongest sequence of violence, Emmet's mentor, Vitruvius, is beheaded by a flying coin. However,
Vitruvius seems relatively unperturbed by his decapitation, going on to have a full conversation with Emmet before
he gives a comic groan and cartoonish crosses appear over his eyes. Vitruvius subsequently reappears as a glow-in-
the-dark ghost, dangling from a string to impart further words of encouragement and wisdom. The BBFC Compliance
Officers who viewed the film felt that the decapitation sequence was significantly mitigated by the comedic elements
and by Vitruvius's heartening reappearance. Moreover, it was agreed that children in the audience would likely be
familiar with the sight of Lego toys' heads being easily pulled off and reattached without damage to the toys, and
would therefore not be alarmed by the image of a Lego character missing his head.

As well as fantasy violence, it was noted that The Lego Movie contains some very mild bad language, including 'butt',
'bum', 'darn' and 'heck'.
Task: Explain why you think there is a need for the BBFC to regulate films using this age classification
system? Why would Warner Bros be keen to get the Universal age rating for The Lego Movie?