So it was revealed this morning that A Good Day To Die Hard has been given a 12A rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The fifth instalment in the Die Hard franchise was given an R rating in the US (under 17s must be accompanied by an adult) but the film has been trimmed back by the studio for UK release - including Bruce Willis’ catchphrase.

The BBFC posted the following guidance on their website:

“The film contains four uses of strong language ('f***') and a partial use of ‘mother******’, the end of which has been cut short so the implied strong language is not heard in full.”

“Against a backdrop of explosions, car chases and the destruction of property, there are a number of scenes featuring shootings which occasionally show brief bullet impacts, but there is no focus on blood or injury. In scenes of hand-to-hand combat we see brief punches and kicks, impressionistic rifle butt blows and an implied, but unseen, neck break. Although there are some crunchy sound effects and incidental shots of the heroes with blood on their faces and clothes, no detail of injury is shown.”

Disgruntled Die Hard fans have taken to Twitter over the decision, with some blaming the release date (it coincides with half-term) for the toning down:

 

Die Hard 5 has been given a 12A rating in the UK.So it's basically a kids film being released just in time for half term.

— James Richardson (@stjimmy182) February 11, 2013

 

So the new Die Hard film is being trimmed in order to secure a 12A rating.USA? R-Rated. UK? 12A. Good one Fox, really well done.

— AshLikesStuff (@AshLikesStuff)
 
What do you make of the decision? If you have kids; are you wary of the 12A rating when you let them see a film? Does it put you off going to see a film if the rating has been lowered? let us know below.