Winner: BULLY
Despite the ratings controversy this timely film engendered (egged on by its distributor in the interest of free publicity), Bully is essential viewing for teens and
adults and ought to be shown in every high school. In focusing on the
plights of five students harassed by their peers for one silly, inexcusable
reason or another (including, in at least one case, sexual orientation),
director Lee Hirsch exposes the utter cluelessness of well-meaning parents and
the horrific ineffectiveness of school administrators at protecting the
children in their charge. Simply put, this is the year’s one
must-see documentary because young people’s lives truly are on the line.
Honorable Mention: HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE
A riveting recollection on the formation of the AIDS
Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in mid-1980’s New York City. After hundreds of deaths
and thousands of HIV infections, a diverse assortment of young people came
together to take on church and state in support of people with AIDS. Their
efforts resulted a decade later in the introduction of the first protease
inhibitor, literally saving lives today. The film serves as both a
necessary eulogy and an inspiring celebration of our history.
Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest, Rage Monthly Magazine and Echo Magazine.
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