Posted by Eric Stumpf
Lee Hirsch's Bully opens at the Saratoga Film Forum at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 11, and will continue to screen on Friday, Oct. 12, and again at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14.
This documentary film, directed by award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, is both hard-hitting and topical. Bully is a polished depiction of the grim realities kids face in today's school systems.
Although bullying has existed in some form since the birth of man, it's on the rise both in occurrence and consequence. Bully is a multifaceted view of this worldwide issue. This strong, character-driven documentary explores various perspectives of both youth and adults, whose lives have been most affected (and in some cases lost) by bullying.
Bullyimmerses you in a merciless world whether you like it or not. In doing so, the film strives to change perspectives about and bring awareness to an issue that may not be understood by many. At its heart are stories and interviews with misunderstood youths, whose courage in the face of helplessness is reason enough to inspire hope and change.
Richard Corless of Time Magazine describes Bully as "A documentary as vivid as any horror film, as heartbreaking as any Oscar-worthy drama." This film, unlike many documentaries these days, is actually worth sitting through. The 'moral of the story' is there, but Bully isn't some relentless arm-twisting one trick pony. It pulls you in with your consent.The stories are jarring and gritty, but they reflect issues that occur every day. Better yet, the cinematography exceeds the average documentary style footage to create a beautiful looking film.
Screenings of Bullyare a 'Film Forum Special Event'! All three screenings will be followed by a panel conversation with educators, students, and other experts on school bullying today. Check out Saratogafilmforum.com for more information on participants involved in the panels for each night.
Relevant Majors: Psychology, Sociology, and Education.
Look out next week for a review of "Intouchables," coming to the Film Forum on Oct. 18!