A few days ago the MPAA's Classification and Rating Administration gave The Weinstein Company's Bully the fearful R-rating, citing strong language throughout the picture.
Almost immediately the studio filed an appeal, fearful that the R-rating would prevent the film, which lends a heavy eye to the extreme increase in physical, emotional, and psychological violence occurring in American schools today, from being shown in middle and high schools across the country. The rating itself would prevent countless teens from laying eyes on the truly moving picture.
Today, after a gut-wrenching plea from Alex Libby, one of the film's central subjects, the board rejected the The Weinstein Company's appeal, securing the previously instated R-rating on Bully. As a result, the studio a much harder path to true change.
What is more upsetting is that when the vote count was revealed, more than half of the board members believed that the rating should be reverted to PG-13. But MPAA rules stimulate that a 2/3 majority must be reached for any rating to be overturned. Bully missed that number by a single vote.
As a result to this unfortunate incident the Weinstein Company has released a statement, saying that the studio is looking at a possible "leave of absence from the MPAA for the foreseeable future."
Additionally (and more importantly), many schools who had originally worked out a plan to get the film shown either in their school or at nearby theaters are now being forced to cancel their plans. Students will now have to take the responsibility upon themselves to see the film on their own.
The Weinstein Company is looking to enlist the help of many prominent figures to help get the word out about the film and get today's young in to see Bully without restriction.
A screening in Los Angeles tomorrow morning will be attended by approximately 150 students from Fairfax High School. Director Lee Hirsch will be in attendance for a special Q&A session. It is events like these that will make the biggest impact - sadly many will be canceled with the MPAA's ruling today.
