Bully, The Weinstein Company’s (TWC) controversial R-rated documentary will be released in theaters in its uncut, original form as unrated on March 30th, according to Entertainment Weekly.
The film has come under fire recently for its realistic, and somewhat brutal, portrayal of the bullying epidemic that is plaguing the American public school system. The doc follows several children and their families, and offers its viewers an unsettling glimpse into what it’s really like for the victims who come face to face with their tormentors on a daily basis.
“The kids and families in this film are true heroes, and we believe theater owners everywhere will step up and do what’s right for the benefit of all of the children out there who have been bullied or may have otherwise become bullies themselves,” said TWC president of marketing Stephen Bruno, according to EW. “We’re working to do everything we can to make this film available to as many parents, teachers and students across the country.”
Bully was assigned the adult rating of R by the MPAA in early March. This move forced TWC to respond by filing a formal appeal for the lesser, more acceptable PG-13 rating.
Over a half a million petitioners signed former bullying victim Katy Butler’s petition on Change.org to urge the MPAA to lower their rating. They failed to do so, and in response, TWC decided to release the film in its entirety as unrated.
Bully is scheduled for release at the Angelika Film Center and AMC Lincoln Square in NYC, and at The Landmark, ArcLight Hollywood and AMC Century City in Los Angeles.
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