Bullying is a significant theme explored in many films, often with the aim of raising awareness and portraying the impact it has on individuals, especially children and teenagers. Films about bullying delve into the psychological and social dynamics between characters, exploring themes of power, control, and the struggle for acceptance. They not only show the distress and consequences faced by victims but also sometimes provide insights into the lives of the perpetrators and bystanders.
“Bully”, 2001
Director: Larry Clark
A dark and intense drama based on true events, this film directed by Larry Clark illustrates the harrowing effects of high school bullying leading a group of tormented teenagers to plot a murder.
Starring: Brad Renfro, Bijou Phillips, Rachel Miner, Nick Stahl, Michael Pitt, Leo Fitzpatrick, Kelli Garner, Daniel Franzese, Nathalie Paulding, Jessica Sutta;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Bully” on the website imdb.com
“A Girl Like Her”, 2015
Director: Amy S. Weber
Told through both documentary-style and narrative footage, this film reveals the aggressive bullying of a high school sophomore by a former friend, and the resulting emotional devastation.
Starring: Hunter King, Lexi Ainsworth, Jimmy Bennett, Amy S. Weber, Stephanie Cotton, Mark Boyd, Christy Engle, Jon W. Martin, Madison Deadman, Anna Spaseski, Mariah Harrison, Emma Dwyer, Michael Maurice, Christy Edwards, Kevin Yon, Linda Boston, Paul Lang, Gino Borri, Sarah Kyrie Soraghan, Roop Raj, Jan Cartwright, Lisa Ortiz, Yana Lavovna, Bridget Maher, Terri Partyka, Kenyon Sprow, Jim Tuman, Frank El-Chaer, Sari Zalesin, Daisy Diaz, Sherry McCormick, Michaela Gutierrez, Hailey Hewitt, Abigail Moore, Erin Blackwell, Payton Vergis, Felecia Klotz, Natalie Smith, Danielle Oliveri, Hayley Jones, Holly Wingler, David Hosack, Andrew Timlin, Tylor Skory, Adrian Karnani, Ibrahim Abdullah, Ali Ahmed, Scout Ciora, Alex Florias, Katie Haddad, Tenaj Irvine, Mikaela Strech, Carly Schneider, Alexia Smith, David Scott II, Carlo Clavenna, Maxwell Abowd, Matthew Adam, Alexis Aghos, Amber Aikin, Alan Alexander II, Jane Allen, Vanessa Allen, Jose» Andradej, Jamie Arindaeng, Erin Atkinson, Jennifer Bakka, Brenndan Bartshe, Gavin Bates, Natalie Bean, Sara Benson, Holly Bice, Patrick Blair, Sam Bloch, Debra Boyer, Olivia Bryant, Jackson Callahan, Megan Casey, Tayler Casorio, Andrea J. Chonko, Brendan Cipriano, Karla Cipriano, Niki Cipriano, Carmay S. Claiborne, Kae'lyn Clark, Max Claussen, Meghan Cleveland, Mackenzie Cochran, Madeline Cocoran, Thomas Constand, Danielle Cooney, John Corrigan, Abbey Couch, Jane Crile, Allegra Cunningham, Shannon Curcuru, Kai Czajka, Bliss Elizabeth Dady, Ashley Darbe, Dennis Doyle Jr., Stacey DuFord, Carlotta Echols, Derrick Echols, Tyler Eick, Kelsey Estes, Michelle Estes, Giancarlo Evola, Zena Farida, Loriann Fill, Natalie Fill, Rafael Flicker, Michelle Forge, Mychael Foster, Karen Gallaway, Joshua Garretson, Lisa Gaulzetti, Pam German, Hannah Glodich, Dania Goike, David A. Goike, Maria Goike, Michael Goike, Sari Goodstein, Adrienne Goodwin, Justin Gordon, Mallory Granata, Alana Greenspan, Hanley Gurwin, Elise Halbert, Eric M. Hall, Mary Hamway, Ashley Hanes, Jillian Hanes, Zachary Hardin, Ben Harris, Glenn Harris, Emma Hildreth, Marielle Hill, Patti Hill, Caitlin Hiller, Teresa Hiller, Nathan Horn, Khari Huffman, Krystal Huffman, Dale Thomas Jackson, Dylan Jackson, Sylvia Jarrus, Jaclyn Jasgur, Marcell Johnson, Edie Jones, Pamela Jones, Austin Kaczmarek, Donovan Kajy, Justin Kajy, Lamar Kajy, Joseph Kalendose, Joanna Keil, Carla Keller, James A. Keller, Erica J. Kin, Hannah King, Robin Klotz, Barret Krull Jr., Justin LaBond, David Ladd, Karla Ladd, Kyle Lakin, Joseph Lease, Jordan Ledford, Paul Ledford, Beau Lerner, Victoria Li, Emma Lietz, Emily Lonze, McKenzie Magyar, Jeffrey Maldaver, Laya Mancik, Cally Marcuson, Jake Martin, Carol Mastroianni, Hannah May, Heather McClendon, Phillip E. McDermott, Kevin McGaffey, Robert E. McKinley, Tony Merlo, Amanda Meso, Garrett Meso, Olivia Meszaros, Ralph H. Meyer, Sophia Moore, Johnny Mullen, Rod Myers, Olivia Neilson, Dominic Joseph Nepa, Rose Anne Nepa, Meg O'Mara, Shae O'Sullivan, Charlie Obryan, Nancy Lynette Parker, Wesley Parker, Jaicee Partridge, Natalie Partyka, Othamian Peterson, Evelyn Joy Pointer, Robert Polk, Jacqueline Potash, Julia Qashat, Jenna Rautenberg, Kristie Rautenberg, Nick Rautenberg, Stephen Rautenberg, Kathleen Redebaugh, Keean Reynolds, Mallory Rice, Randy Richardville, Emily Richner, Colleen Rivers, Chandler Roberts, Chantal Robinson, Henry Roth, Marlene Roth, Alison Santucci, Thomas Scheidt, Allison Scherr, Suzanne Schlager, Steven Schoolmeesters, Kramer Schultz, Gabrielle Seguin, Patricia Seiler, Erica L. Shkembi, Saimir Shkembi, Jasmine Silvennoinen, Tracy Silvennoinen, Mariah Sitner, Madison Siwak, Gabriella Skory, Amy Sloan, Alexander Smith, Eric «Rick» Smith, Jacqueline M. Smith, Maggie Smith, Shelby Snider, Brianna Snitchler, Tina Snitchler, Lillie Spilman, Sinamon Stewart, Nicholas Stora, Nick Sword, Liz Tekus, Caroline Thomas, Jacqueline Thomas, Mark Thornton, Lauren Tischler, Shant Topouzian, Laurie Valko, Annette Vamvas, Elizabeth Vandevelde, Andrew Vanduinen, Rachel Vandyke, Austin Vergis, Hayden Vergis, Kaleigh Vogel, Vannua Vore, Catherine Waldbott, Alisibeth Watkins-Miller, Kirstin Watkins-White, Ayden Weber, Sharon Weber, Emily Weiss, Marcus Whitted, Audrey Williams, Hunter Williams, Taylor A. Williams, Melissa Woodworth, Julia Wright, Joseph Yezbick, Amanda Yousif, Staci Zemach, Sydney Zhang;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “A Girl Like Her” on the website imdb.com
“Cyberbully”, 2015
Director: Ben Chanan
This ABC Family television film focuses on the dangers of online bullying, following a teenage girl's ordeal after a peer spreads malicious rumors about her on the internet.
Starring: Maisie Williams, Ella Purnell, Wilson Haagens, Anthony Shuster, Haruka Abe, Jake Davies, Daisy Waterstone;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Duration: 62 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Cyberbully” on the website imdb.com
“The Karate Kid”, 2010
Director: Harald Zwart
Although primarily a martial arts sport film, it effectively handles the theme of bullying as young Daniel LaRusso learns karate from Mr. Miyagi to defend himself against bullies at school.
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Han Wenwen, Yu Rongguang, Wu Zhensu, Wang Zhiheng, Wang Zhenwei, Jared Minns, Lu Shijia;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, sport, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “The Karate Kid” on the website imdb.com
“Mean Girls”, 2004
Director: Mark Waters
A comedic yet insightful look at high school social hierarchies and the subtle forms of manipulation and harassment among teenage girls.
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lizzy Caplan, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Jonathan Bennett, Daniel Franzese, Amy Poehler;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Mean Girls” on the website imdb.com
These films not only entertain but serve as crucial commentaries on the issues surrounding bullying, advocating for empathy, understanding, and, most importantly, intervention and prevention.
In conclusion, films about bullying serve as powerful tools for raising awareness, sparking conversations, and promoting empathy. They not only reflect the harsh realities many face but also provide insights into the dynamics and consequences of bullying. As audiences witness the struggles and resilience of characters onscreen, these films encourage a deeper understanding and prompt action against bullying in real life. By exploring various narratives, from raw documentaries to inspiring dramas, filmmakers continue to shine a crucial light on this pervasive issue, pushing society towards a more compassionate and inclusive future.
