Bully Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of kids get picked on and nobody really does anything about it, so filmmakers film it, hoping someone will finally do something.

🍿 Bully: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Victims

The documentary introduces several students who are victims of bullying. It begins with the story of Tyler Long, who committed suicide after enduring relentless harassment. We also meet Alex Libby, a 12-year-old who faces daily physical and verbal abuse on his school bus. Another story highlights Kelby Johnson, a lesbian teenager ostracized and even physically attacked in her community.

Ja’Meya’s Story and Aftermath

Ja’Meya Jackson, a 14-year-old honor student, is shown to have brought a gun to school after facing severe bullying. She is arrested and faces legal consequences. The film explores the aftermath of this incident and the complexities of Ja’Meya’s situation, highlighting the desperation that bullying can drive victims to.

School and Community Response

The documentary examines the response (or lack thereof) from school administrations and communities. It reveals instances of administrators downplaying the issue or failing to take adequate action to protect students. Parents express their frustration and grief, advocating for changes in school policies and greater awareness of the problem.

Ty Smalley’s Suicide and Advocacy

Another heartbreaking story is that of Ty Smalley, an 11-year-old who also committed suicide due to bullying. His parents become advocates, starting an organization called “Stand for the Silent” to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies. The film follows their efforts to spread their message and support other victims.

Alex’s Last Day and Future

The documentary culminates with Alex’s last day of school, where he experiences a slightly more positive atmosphere. However, Kelby’s parents ultimately decide to pull her out of school due to the persistent lack of acceptance. The film concludes with a rally organized by Ty Smalley’s parents, emphasizing the ongoing need for awareness and action against bullying.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alex Libby (Alex Libby): A 12-year-old Iowa student who endures relentless physical and verbal abuse on his school bus.
• Ja’Meya Jackson (Ja’Meya Jackson): A 14-year-old Mississippi honor student who brought a gun on the school bus to scare her bullies.
• Kelby Johnson (Kelby Johnson): A 16-year-old Oklahoma student who faces ostracization and bullying after coming out as a lesbian.
• Tyler Long (N/A): A 17-year-old student whose suicide due to bullying is investigated by his grieving parents.
• Ty Smalley (N/A): An 11-year-old student whose suicide after relentless bullying leads his parents to activism.
• Kim Lockwood (Kim Lockwood): The assistant principal who seemingly dismisses the severity of bullying incidents reported to her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bullied Student: “I’ve never had real friends that would stick around and help me.” – Reflects the isolation and lack of support experienced by many bullying victims.
• Ty’s Father: “My son will be 11 years old forever.” – Highlights the lasting impact of bullying and the grief of losing a child to suicide.
• Kelby: “If I leave, they win.” – Expresses her determination to stand her ground and not be driven away by bullies due to her sexual orientation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.1M
• Domestic Gross: $4.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $4.4M

💥 Bully Reviews

Personal Review

As someone who experienced bullying in school, watching ‘Bully’ brought back a lot of painful memories. It’s incredibly raw and unflinching in its portrayal of the emotional and physical toll it takes on these kids. The most disturbing part was seeing how adults often dismiss the issue or are simply ineffective in stopping it. I hope this film inspires real change in how schools handle bullying.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Parents”
  • “Educators”
  • “Students (Middle School and High School)”
  • “Anyone interested in social issues and documentaries”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of bullying (verbal and physical)”
  • “Discussion of suicide”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “An eye-opening look at the pervasive issue of bullying in American schools. It’s a raw and emotional journey that highlights the lack of effective intervention and the devastating impact on victims and their families. The film serves as a wake-up call for educators, parents, and communities to address this critical problem with urgency and compassion.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Bully is a powerful and heartbreaking documentary that exposes the harsh realities of bullying in schools. While it may be difficult to watch, it’s an important film that sparks a crucial conversation about empathy, responsibility, and the need for systemic change to protect our youth.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the stories of the bullied children and their families.: The film’s raw and honest portrayal of bullying resonated with many, sparking discussions about the need for greater awareness and intervention.

Many viewers expressed frustration with the lack of action from school administrators in the film.: The film highlighted the need for more effective anti-bullying policies and training for educators.

Overall Consensus: Bully is a powerful and important documentary that exposes the harsh realities of bullying in schools and its devastating impact on victims and their families.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was initially rated R by the MPAA for language, a decision that was heavily protested by The Weinstein Company, as the rating would prevent the film’s target audience (teens) from seeing it.”
• “After appealing and losing by one vote, the distributors initially released the film ‘Unrated’ to get around the MPAA restriction.”
• “Ultimately, some language was cut to secure a PG-13 rating to maximize the film’s reach to young audiences.”
• “Director Lee Hirsch was himself a victim of bullying, which deeply influenced his decision to create the documentary.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bully?

As a documentary film, “Bully” is readily available for streaming and purchase across various platforms. Check services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to stream or buy the film. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bully, you might like these similar films:

• The Breakfast Club (1985): Explores the social dynamics and pressures within high school, showcasing different student archetypes and their struggles for acceptance.
• Detachment (2011): Features a substitute teacher who connects with students facing difficult circumstances, including bullying and social isolation, highlighting the impact of empathy and understanding.
• A Girl Like Her (2015): Dramatizes the issue of bullying through the eyes of both the victim and the perpetrator, offering a raw and unflinching look at the cycle of abuse and its consequences.
• 13 Reasons Why (TV Series, 2017-2020): Examines the ripple effects of bullying and its role in teen suicide, presenting a complex and often disturbing portrayal of high school social dynamics.

🛒 Bully Related Products

• The Bully Book: What to Do When You’re Targeted at School: A practical guide for kids and teens on how to deal with bullying, offering strategies for building confidence and resilience.
• Stop Bullying: A Guide for Parents: A comprehensive resource for parents to understand bullying, identify warning signs, and take effective action to protect their children.
• “Stand for the Silent” Awareness Bracelet: A wristband representing the organization founded by parents featured in the film. A physical reminder and a way to support bullying prevention.
• “Bully” DVD: The film is available for viewing and allows one to revisit the powerful message in the documentary.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bully features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Teenage Dirtbag” – performed by Scala

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Daz Watches Worst Bullying Film Ever

Ever wondered how someone reacts to a really intense bullying movie? Daz Black takes on what he calls the ‘worst’ one – see if you agree with his verdict after watching. I found his over-the-top reactions pretty hilarious, but it’s also interesting to see how he interprets the message!

✨ Rate