Bully director Lee Hirsch was adamant about retaining a crucial but intense scene of teenager Alex Libby being bullied on a bus throughout this rating’s controversy. And although the MPAA wanted it removed or edited, he never had to compromise with that important scene. Ultimately, what did wind up being cut in order to obtain the PG-13 rating were three uses of the F word. No scenes were removed and the overall impact of the film won’t be lessened from the loss of the F word.
The MPAA has also made an exception to one of its long-standing rules by allowing Bully to be released with the new rating before 90 days, “the length of time their policy states a film must wait to be in theaters after a rating change to avoid confusion or inconvenience for moviegoers.”
“Senator [Chris] Dodd is a hero for championing this cause, and the MPAA showed great courage by not cutting the scene everyone has been fighting to keep,” stated TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein. “Senator Dodd’s support gives voice to the millions of children who suffer from bullying, and on behalf of TWC, the filmmakers, the families in the film and the millions of children and parents who will now see this film, I thank him for recognizing that this very real issue cannot afford to go unnoticed.”
“I feel completely vindicated with this resolution,” said Hirsch. “While I retain my belief that PG-13 has always been the appropriate rating for this film, as reinforced by Canada’s rating of a PG, we have today scored a victory from the MPAA. 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. 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.”
Said National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel, “The changing of the rating for Bully from R to PG-13 will enable many more young people to see this film. NEA applauds the Motion Picture Association of America and the producers for the PG-13 rating. Every teenage student should have the opportunity to see this powerful documentary about a problem that still haunts our schools. NEA also salutes 17-year-old Katy Butler and the other young activists whose online petition drive led to having the rating for Bully reconsidered.”
Source: The Weinstein Company
