Lee Hirsch's confronting documentary was at the centre of a ratings debate on its release in the US, with the MPAA insisting on an R rating due to some foul language in the mouths of the kids in the film. This severely limited access to the film for the people it was speaking to and about most directly, children and young adults. The MPAA later relented and changed the rating to PG-13. Bully opens with David Long telling us how his son committed suicide due to bullying, and as his heartbreaking tale unfolds it swiftly becomes apparent that this film should certainly be seen by all and sundry.


The documentary follows five families, mostly from the Southwest, and their experiences with bullying in the school system. Though the film may have a tight focus on individual experience, it speaks to a much wider epidemic that affects children throughout the US and, for that matter, here in Australia as well. Dangers of intolerance, ignorance (on the part of teachers and parents) and an overarching attitude of 'kids will be kids' are in the foreground of this powerful and moving documentary. Though the film does not offer solutions to the problem, it draws attention to an issue that many are dismissive of. Told with an empathetic eye and containing revealing footage of both bullying and its after effects, this is a documentary that as many people as possible should see.