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Film watchdog to study effects of 'gore' in horror

The body that decides movie ratings is to put a new emphasis on the effects of "gore" in horror films under new guidelines published today.

The British Board of Film Classification said in future it will further scrutinise the "psychological impact of horror" by examining the visual detail in films.

Films such as Evil Dead are given an 18 rating due to their gory content. Credit: PA

The BBFC said there will be more focus on "theme and tone" rather than simply specific scenes and details on screen, particularly at the 12A/12 and 15 levels.

It also said it will be tougher on strong language in films aimed at family audiences, and pay further attention to sexual content.