Bully Dance = la danse des brutes 2000
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada
Director n/a
VHS, color, 10 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Psychology, Child Development
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Selina Wang, Earl K. Long Library, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LAThis ten-minute non-verbal film focuses on identifying bullying behavior and strategies for targeted victims.
Even though the film consists of simple line drawing cartoons, the messages these cartoons attempt to send to the audience are so vivid that anybody would be able to follow the plot and make his or her own story.
The style of the cartoon is very abstract and visually interesting, and the soundtrack is catchy and rhythmic. The film shows a world populated by odd-looking elongated cartoon characters, described as "stick figures," going about their daily tasks, commuting to work and school. On the school grounds there are scenes of the characters playing and dancing. One figure gets attention for his remarkable dancing, but some of the attention is from a larger, aggressive character, surrounded and supported by his friends. The dancing character is taunted and physically attacked by the bully, and does not get much support from his allies. They too are intimidated by the bully and his pals. Eventually the character is seriously hurt, and action is finally taken by the schoolteacher. He visits the bully's home, where we see a similarly abusive father who threatens the bully with the same sort of punishment that the bully is giving out on the school grounds. Later, the school children rally around the injured character, and exclude the bully from the dance.
The film is designed to stimulate discussion in a classroom situation. The film case contains a guide sheet that recommends a series of discussions that the audience can undertake, and which leads the viewers to focus on a number of issues. It defines the terms, describes the different forms of bullying behavior, and has a series of questions that can be asked of students before they watch the film. After the screening, there are additional questions and topics that are designed to stimulate discussion and raise awareness of strategies of dealing with bullying behavior.
The production values are high, and picture and sound were clear and sharp. The film is short, and grabs the attention quickly with the interesting abstract images and rhythmic soundtrack.
This film is highly recommended for all age levels.