Bully movie gets PG-13 rating
By Tribute on April 9, 2012 | 3 Comments
Lee Hirsch’s new documentary, Bully, has been the source of much controversy after the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) slapped it with a Restricted rating because of the number of expletives in it. Many openly opposed the rating because of the fact that the film is directed toward children as much as adults to help fight the epidemic of bullying in North America. One of the biggest sources of contention is an intense scene in which a teen is seen being bullied and harrassed on a bus. Hirsch refused to remove or edit the scene because “it is too important to the truth and integrity behind the film.” After much campaigning and debate, the MPAA has finally agreed to lower the R rating to PG-13 in the U.S., a decision which Hirsch sees as a victory. “The support and guidance we have received throughout this process has been incredible, from the more than half a million people who signed Katy Butler’s petition, to members of Congress, Governor Mike Huckabee, and the many celebrities and others who raised their voices to express deeply felt support for a film that can inspire millions,” Hirsch said in a statement. “The scene that mattered remains untouched and intact, which is a true sign that we have won this battle. With an array of great partners, a fabulous educator’s guide and extensive online tools, we can now bring this film unhindered, to youth and adults across our country.” Bully, which opened April 6, is rated PG in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba.
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I saw this movie over the weekend and I can certainly see why the MPAA would give it an R rating. But I’m glad they changed it because it’s definitely an eye-opener for kids. The sad truth of our world
Yay! Every child thats at least 13 needs to see this. It is quite stupid that the MPAA would give it an R rating while they give saw or other Torture flicks R and not NC-17, along with only giving movies with graphic stylized violence PG-13 ratings. At least that made up for this controversy and gave a very important documentary a PG-13.
I agree that the R-rating was unjustified, but this movie is far from the game-changing movie it is being heralded as. Frankly, the director proves too willing to oversimplify the issue, in addition to warp and omit facts, in his mission to make his point.