The BBFC's decision to give 'The Dark Knight' a 12A certificate is getting some criticism:
Keith Vaz MP, who chairs the Home Affairs Select Committee, said the 12A certificate was too low, adding that he was concerned by The Joker's use of a knife in the film.
He told The Independent newspaper: "The BBFC should realise there are scenes of gratuitous violence in The Dark Knight to which I certainly would not take my 11-year-old daughter. It should be a 15 certificate."
I'm on the BBFC's side here - while the film is fairly violent, I'm struggling to remember any actual blood or (aside from the Joker and Two-Face) any real signs of disfigurement. Besides, Vaz's comment about taking his 11-year-old daughter shows that he clearly hasn't bothered to find out what 12A actually means:
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.
It's the parent's decision - they should only take children under 12 if they think the film will be suitable for them.
