Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi has had its rating upgraded from a U to a PG because of its violence and a scene showing Han Solo frozen in carbonite. The film was given a U "universal" rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) when it was released in 1983. But it has now been reappraised, with the ratings body ruling that "the detail and overall intensity" of violence in the film mean it should be a PG, which stands for parental guidance.
The BBFC's latest annual report said the rating was changed because of "violence and threat" in the film, despite this being "offset by humour and an emphasis on loyalty in adversity". The U rating means a film is suitable for all audiences above the age of four. A PG suggests some content may not be suitable for children, and parents or guardians are advised to show discretion and be present while children are watching.
"Although violence is offset by humour and an emphasis on loyalty in adversity, the detail and overall intensity meant that, under current guidelines, we reclassified the film PG for violence and threat," the BBFC said. Return of the Jedi was the third Star Wars film to be released. In its 2023 annual report, the BBFC said: "This sci-fi adventure sequel concerns rebel heroes who must rescue their friends before facing an intimidating enemy army.
"As well as laser gun fights, aerial dogfights, and fight scenes which include the occasional use of improvised weapons, a person falls to a presumed but un.
