DVD Der Herr der Ringe - Die Spielfilm Trilogie FSK age ratings: 12

Age ratings do not constitute educational recommendations or a form of art critique. Whilst there is no fixed set of criteria when it comes to assing potential effects, some standards do exist that require expert interpretation. In this context, as a rule, it's first and foremost the youngest age group that needs to be protected. Moreover, ratings also need to include vulnerable children and teenagers.

FSK LABELS
FSK boards issue five different labels to be displayed on visual media carriers such as DVDs, Blu-rays etc. Below a summary of guidelines and issues applying to each of these labels.

FSK 0 label FSK 0 badges label products sold with no age restriction. Film content affects small children in a direct and spontanous fashion. Children at this age have a predominantly episodic way of perceiving their surroundings. Cognitive abilities including the capabiliy to sturcturalise are still developing. Means dark settings, quick action and loud and intimidating soundtracks may lead to anxiety or stress. Children under the age of 6 normally fully indentify with movie characters and plot. Threating situations, violence, chases and interpersonal conflicts result in anxieties that childen at that age cannot overcome on their own. Means quickly and fully resolving such conflicts is crucial.

FSK 6 label Children aged 6 and above are increasingly able of cognitive processing of what they perceive. However, youngsters falling into 6 to 11 age bracket greatly differ when it comes to the extend these ablities have been developed. The capabiliiy to discern factual and fictional plots normally starts the age of 9 which enables looking at content more and more objectively. Children around the age of 6 still perceive content in an emotional episodic way, identifying themselves with the protagonists involving the whole spectrum of plot-triggered emotions. However, 6-year olds are already able to process some degree of short-term suspension and moderately threatening scenarios. Nevertheless, quickly and fully resolving conflicts is still vital.

FSK 12 label Teenagers are capable to process movie content in an objective and logical manner. They are already aware of genres. Higher suspension levels, such as in thriller or science-fiction movies, do not pose a problem. However, the brutal violence depicted in some action movies still puts 12 to 15-year olds at risk. Teenagers in this age group are in puberty which involves self-dicovery and also constitutes a period of extrem,e self-consciouness and vulnerability. Movies featuring an antisocial, destructive and violent protagonist as a role model poses a risk. However, movies that explore contemporary social issues in a serious and genuine manner are absolutely suitable for teenagers, helping them form opinions and develop a social conscience.

Parental Guidance (PG): FSK 12 (Suitable for children aged 6 if accompanied by a parent)
Children aged between 6 and 12 are allowedto watch FSK 12 rated movies if they are accompanied by a parent (company of a child minders, carer, teacher, or any other party authorisied by parents to look after their child does not apply). For full details, please refer to our booklet.

FSK 16 label Adolescents aged between 16 and 18 are usually able to preceive media content for what it is. However, content with antisocial messages does still pose a risk. Means movies promoting or glorfying violence, gender inequality, racism, sexual objectivation, drug use, extremism and xenophobia need to be closely scrutinised.

FSK 18 (small) The rating applies to content deemed not be "harmful" or "extremely harmful" to minors. In compliance with §14(3,4) PoYA (JuSchG), DVDs and Blu-rays are FSK18-rated if the content movies is considered not being harmful to minors. Movies screended at cinemas get this rating if they are not seen as being extremely harmful to minors. Movies, DVDs and Blu-rays with a FSK rating are not banned by the Federal Review Board for Content Potentially Harmful to Minors (BPjM).

No label
FSK18-rated movies to be screened at cinemas are also reviewed with regard to content that might be extremely harmful to minors. The reasoning behind this is that, at some occasions, minors may obtain access to a screening. And when it comes to FSK18-rated DVDs, Blu-rays etc, the risk of minors being able to watch them is even higher. THis means that content deemed to be harmful for minors may result in the product being prevented from being sold on DVD/Bluray although adults may still watch the same FSK18-rated movie at a cinema. The law is very clear on this, and forms the basis of any FSK rating. If a court, as a result of a complain, rules a movie to be "extremely harmful to minors", distributors must not announce, advertise or promote the movie in any shape or form (penalties apply, §15(1) PoYA). However, this and any other matters exceeding the scope of the YoPA are also the responsibilty of the courts, and not of the FSK." >