Bully has true drama with a lot of messages behind it. This film is not funny so, if you are looking for a good laugh this is not it. This is not reality TV but a true look into the lives of real people.
This film follows multiple kids and families with kids who did something to them or to others due to bullying. It shows each of their stories and what real kids experienced. Let me tell you, nothing in this film is made up. The horror these families, their friends and their children go through is real. To add to all of this, the school administration is not much help.
I am happy that there is a film that shows what really is going on. The creators also do a very good job at making it as real as possible and they don't fake any emotions. I also like how they include more than one story in this. There is one thing I did not like. As a very active anti-bullying advocate myself, I agree with them. Yes, there is a lot of bullying and it is somewhat of a global epidemic. Yes, we know educators are not helping much and their hands are tied for many reasons. But now what? At the end, this film left me feeling that there is no POSITIVE message. It is definitely helpful to see that all these real stories and, hopefully it will be an eye opener for many people that will see it. But now what? What should we do? What is the right thing for these families to do? I also didn't think it was necessary to make a family show where the son hangs himself. They have been though so much. In my opinion, they could have told their story without going through this once again.
My favorite part and least favorite story is about the boy who grew up happy and energetic but over time became quite and alone. He was bullied and harassed and eventually he committed suicide. To add to the sadness, even though the father was extremely devastated, he had to give the exact amount of love to his other children, which is one of the hardest things to do after something so terrible. There is such a huge dose of reality when I think that it could have been me and my parents who could have experienced something similar to this.
I recommend this film for ages 7 to 18. T0here are bad words and intense scenes but, if you want to educate children about bullying, then they have to see it what could happen if they remain silent bystanders, bullies or victims. It is not about rainbows and sunshine and holding hands. It's about actions that we can take to save lives. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars for its good message. It's a great film but I felt like it wasn't quite finished. Perhaps, Part II is in order?
Reviewed by KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry Orz, age 12.
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