"Bully" is a 2001 American crime drama film directed by Larry Clark, known for his raw and often controversial depictions of teenage experiences. The film is based on real-life events and stars Brad Renfro, Bijou Phillips, Rachel Miner, and Nick Stahl.
"Bully" tells the harrowing story of a group of teenagers in South Florida who decide to kill one of their friends, Bobby Kent (Nick Stahl), who has been bullying them. This dark tale is based on the murder of Bobby Kent in 1993, which was detailed in the 1998 book "Bully: A True Story of High School Revenge" by Jim Schutze.
The film explores themes of abuse, manipulation, peer pressure, and the horrifying consequences of violent retaliation. The narrative unfolds with an eerie sense of inevitability, and Clark doesn't shy away from depicting the disturbing dynamics of this friend group. The performances, particularly Stahl's chilling portrayal of the title character, enhance the disturbing impact of the film.
"Bully" is not an easy watch, and it has drawn criticism for its explicit content. However, it also stands as a sobering exploration of the devastating effects of bullying and the tragic extremes to which victims can be driven.
Search Daily Movie Selection: "Bully" (2001)