"Bully", an upcoming documentary film, MPAA initially gave it an "R" rating....

[JustPlainSteve]

Please take a moment to read the following copy/paste:

Why This Is Important

I’m speaking out for all those students who suffer every day at school.

When I was in 7th grade, a few guys came up behind me while putting my books in my locker. They called me names and asked me why I even bothered to show my face at school because no one liked me. I ignored them because I was scared of what else they might say and who else they might tell if I stood up to them. When I went to shut my locker, they pushed me against the wall. Then they slammed my locker shut on my hand, breaking my fourth finger. I held back tears while I watched them run away laughing. I didn’t know what to do so I stood there, alone and afraid.

I just heard that the Motion Picture Association of America has given an “R” rating to “Bully” -- a new film coming out soon that documents the epidemic of bullying in American schools. Because of the R rating, most kids won’t get to see this film. No one under 17 will be allowed to see the movie, and the film won’t be allowed to be screened in American middle schools or high schools.

I can’t believe the MPAA is blocking millions of teenagers from seeing a movie that could change -- and, in some cases, save -- their lives. According to the film’s website, over 13 million kids will be bullied this year alone. Think of how many of these kids could benefit from seeing this film, especially if it is shown in schools?

If enough people speak out and ask the MPAA to give Bully a PG-13 rating, maybe we can get them to change their minds. Will you sign my petition to the MPAA asking for a PG-13 rating instead of an R?

From what I understand, the MPAA ruled by ONE vote that Bully deserves an R-rating because of “language,” robbing many teenagers of the chance to view a film that could change their lives, and help reduce violence in schools. This makes me really mad. It means that a film documenting the abuse that millions of kids experience through bullying won’t be seen by the audience that needs to see it the most: middle school students and high school students.

Please sign my petition and demand that the MPAA give “Bully” a PG-13 so this important film can be seen by as many kids and adults as possible.

Thanks!
Katy Butler, Michigan high school student
(end of copy/paste)


Normally I don't do the "petition" thing, but this is one issue I feel very strongly about, having been bullied several times as a kid. The film really needs to be seen by everyone and shown in schools, but that won't happen if it is rated "R". With so many instances of bullying resulting in suicides (i.e., Phoebe Prince in South Hadley, MA), the MPAA needs to think more about what it can do for kids and less about "keeping the rating consistent".

Here is the link to the website for anyone who wants to sign the petition to get the rating changed to "PG-13" as the filmmakers intended:

http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-don-t...-of-an-r-rating

I hope you'll join me and the 200,000+ who signed it including Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Drew Brees, Randy Jackson and Ellen DeGeneres (who discussed this on her show). If the "R" rating stands, then the bullies win.

Here's the theatrical trailer, which is currently being shown at the Burlington Mall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYFWUKWl8S0


Thank You.

[trainwreck]

Even if it still is given a R rating, it can still be shown in high school, if you have a permission slip signed.. either way if you spend more than 47 seconds in any American High School you will hear more intense language then this movie could possibly even come close to imitating. While I never had, nor seen any problems with bullying at any of the schools I went to, including both High Schools in Nashua, I will sign it, even though I believe that if it is lowered, It will make zero impact on high schoolers (just like how that prom drinking and driving film (filmed in Nashua!) didn't change anyones views) But maybe it can make an impact on middle schoolers

[JustPlainSteve]

Thanks Steve. This film would definitely have an impact on middle schoolers. When I was in the 8th grade one of my classmates committed suicide.

[trainwreck]

It's always sad when someone, especially one so young, decides that the only way out is suicide. I have a friend who committed suicide a few years ago, Kevin Morse actually, I lost most contact with him after Elementary School so I was unable to see anything happen which meant I was unable to stop such actions. (which kind of goes against when I said that I never saw or had a problem with it) The amazing thing is the impact it had on everyone who met him even just once. It's a shame out of the hundreds of people at South, no one could see his pain. This is why such things must be taken care of in elementary school and middle school becuase High schoolers can be relentless and just view videos like this as an excuse to get out of class

[JustPlainSteve]

Thanks Trainwreck.

This segment aired last night on ABC News Nightline:

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/cele...rating-15983857

[JustPlainSteve]

SUCCESS!!!!! The MPAA finally gave in and awards Bully the PG-13 rating it deserves.....

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bull...n-edits--307418

However, the film company did edit out a few of the F-bombs to get to this point.

It is playing in select areas now, but it goes nationwide on Friday, April 13. EVERYONE needs to see this movie.

[JustPlainSteve]

In a related story, those kids who bullied that elderly woman on the school bus have been suspended from school for one year and during that time they will receive alternative education at a re-engagement center. Story from ABC News:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/karen-klein-stude...ory?id=16682868

[JustPlainSteve]

Finally got to watch it. It's out on DVD, I got a copy at BJ's Wholesale Club for $14.99. It's the PG-13 version and there was only one F-bomb used. I thought there would be more footage of actual instances of bullying, but it was mainly reactions to bullying from parents and students. It focuses on five kids who were bullied, two of whom sadly took their own lives as a result of bullying, and what their parents went through was truly heart-wrenching.

Again, I recommend that everyone see this documentary.