Bully

Bully

Year: 2012

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Lee Hirsch

Documentary

This documentary explores the devastating impact of bullying through the experiences of five families over the course of a school year. It features stories of children facing relentless torment, including two families who have suffered tragic losses directly related to bullying. The film also follows a mother whose daughter is incarcerated after bringing a weapon to school. Through these intimate portraits, the film highlights the challenges bullied children face and advocates for a more effective approach to preventing and addressing bullying within schools and communities.

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Timeline & Setting – Bully (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bully (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The documentary features contemporary events, focusing on the lives of five teenagers in the United States as they navigate bullying in modern schools. It highlights the urgent need for societal awareness and action against bullying, echoing themes relevant to today's youth.

Location

Yazoo County, Mississippi

Yazoo County, Mississippi, is depicted as a backdrop for the struggles of young students facing bullying in schools. The community grapples with the harsh realities of adolescent challenges and a culture that often brushes aside calls for support and change.

📍 Location 🏫 School

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Main Characters – Bully (2012)

Meet the key characters of Bully (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tyler Long

Tyler Long is a young boy whose tragic experiences with bullying culminate in his heartbreaking decision to take his own life. His story, shared through his father's reflections, serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional toll that bullying can inflict on children.

😢 Tragedy 💔 Loss

Alex

Alex is a timid thirteen-year-old boy who struggles significantly with bullying at school. His experiences illustrate the profound impact of peer victimization on mental health and highlight his journey as he battles feelings of isolation and fear.

😟 Bullying 📚 School Life

Kelby

Kelby is a brave young girl who identifies as a lesbian and faces severe backlash from her peers. Her resilience and determination to overcome societal rejection reflect her strength, even as she grapples with family support issues and mental health struggles.

🌈 LGBTQ+ ⚔️ Courage

JaMeya

JaMeya is a high-achieving 14-year-old honor student who succumbs to the pressure of relentless bullying. Her story illustrates the challenges faced by academically gifted students when their success does not shield them from harassment.

🏅 Achievement 🔫 Breaking Point

Ty Smalley

Ty Smalley is an 11-year-old boy whose life is tragically cut short due to bullying. His story resonates deeply, showcasing the lasting impact of aggressive behavior among peers and revealing the deep emotional scars left behind.

😢 Heartbreak 👼 Memory

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Major Themes – Bully (2012)

Explore the central themes of Bully (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Resilience

Resilience emerges as a key theme, demonstrated through the lives of the teenagers who confront bullying. Their stories of struggle and determination to withstand adversity showcase the human spirit's ability to fight back against overwhelming challenges.

📣 Advocacy

The theme of advocacy persists throughout the film, as families and friends rally against bullying. Tyler's parents become passionate advocates, encouraging community involvement and demanding awareness, reflecting the importance of collective action for change.

💔 Tragedy

Tragedy looms large in the narratives, with the heart-wrenching stories of teenagers who faced life-threatening decisions due to bullying. These accounts highlight the severe emotional impacts of bullying, prompting viewers to reflect on its devastating consequences.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

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Narrative Summary

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Movies About Grief and Trauma like Bully

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern here is often a quiet, character-focused study. The story unfolds internally, charting the psychological and emotional states of individuals or families in the wake of a devastating event. There is less emphasis on external action and more on the subtle nuances of coping, memory, and the struggle to find meaning or continue living.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their uncompromising focus on heavy emotions like sorrow, despair, and resilience. They share a somber, oppressive mood, a steady or slow pacing that mirrors the weight of grief, and a high emotional intensity. The experience is defined by its authenticity and its willingness to sit with pain.

Unlock the Full Story of Bully

Don't stop at just watching — explore Bully in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Bully is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Bully Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bully , including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Bully  Summary

Bully Timeline

Track the full timeline of Bully with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Bully  Timeline

Bully Spoiler-Free Summary

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Bully  Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Bully

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bully : box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Bully

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