Lara Croft: Began life as a computer game character

BBFC director Robin Duval said: "The natural audience for Lara Croft is the 12 to 15 age group, but the board's classification guidelines make it clear that at 12 the glamorisation of weapons such as knives and the graphic illustration of dangerous techniques such as head butts and throat chops are unacceptable.

"The film company has responded positively to the BBFC's concerns with cuts to those elements and to other violent content at several points in the film."

Films in a similar situation but which chose to retain violent scenes and take a 15 certificate in Britain include Mission: Impossible 2 and Charlie's Angels.

'Fantastical setting'

Mr Duval said the action-packed film would not surprise audiences familiar with 12-rated films such as the James Bond series.

"As with the Bond films, the combat, gunplay etcetera is mitigated by the absence of bloody or graphic detail and by the generally fantastical setting of the story.

"The board's concern about knives, however, reflects the fact that they are much more readily accessible in the UK than the other more unfamiliar equipment characteristic of these films."

Meanwhile the BBFC is set to trial a new "advisory" rather than "compulsory" cinema certificate later this year.

Number one

The BBFC is looking into a shake-up for the 12 rating and a trial run is being pursued with a local authority in England.

The proposal would bring Britain into line with Europe and the US.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was number one at American box offices last week.

It has been given a PG-13 certificate in America, which means parents are warned that some material is inappropriate for those under the age of 13.

Croft first found fame as a computer game character in 1996.