Bully

Some teenagers might find the documentary Bully compelling because they recognize the characters on screen from a distance. For others, it might hit closer to home than that.

Either way, it’s a topical and important film that incisively probes the bullying epidemic in contemporary American schools. The film even has the power to inspire change, if enough kids see it.

Yet as vital as it might be for children, the film should also be must-see viewing for parents, authorities and school administrators who are either powerless or ignorant.

The film follows the troubles of three children who are bullied in various capacities over the course of a school year, as well as families of two victims who committed suicide and have become activists as a result.

One girl was arrested for bringing a gun on a school bus in retaliation, while another has become ostracized for disclosure of her homosexuality. Meanwhile, a shy Iowa boy with a slight facial disfigurement is taunted and beaten on an almost daily basis.

The cameras of director Lee Hirsch capture an impressive array of footage in school hallways and cafeterias, as well as on buses and playgrounds.

Much of this is not simple playful teasing, nor does it fit with traditional notions of nerds or cliques, but rather can be categorized as major physical and psychological abuse.

The stories are diverse in terms of the geography, age and socioeconomic background of their subjects, with most taking place not in big cities but in small towns and suburbs. It’s a shame, however, that Hirsch gives all of his camera time to the victims instead of the bullies, which inhibits further insight.

Bully digs deeper than the usual trite explanations for such behavior among children, arguing that adults and even peer witnesses can be part of the solution instead of turning a blind eye, dismissing potential incidents by saying “boys will be boys,” or offering a simple reprimand for failing to get along.

The passionate film is technically rough around the edges, but contains harrowing statistics and stories that are simultaneously poignant and infuriating.

With its sobering look at a hot-button topic, Bully should reinforce the attitudes of some viewers to the severity of the problem. More importantly, it could be a wake-up call to those who haven’t realized it yet.

Not rated, 99 minutes.