"The Blind Side": A Movie Review
Once just a book written by Michael Lewis, but now found in motion picture, The Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock, captured the hearts of people across the world. It has certainly captured and touched mine.
The film is based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw respectively, who willingly took in a teenager who was living in the streets alone, known as Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Having absolutely no idea who his father was and a mother who was a junkie, Oher led a very tough life. With almost no education at all, he was fortunate enough to meet Leigh Anne and the rest of her family. Leigh Anne didn’t show any prejudice because Oher was African-American. In fact, Leigh Anne displayed genuine interest about where he originated, his passion, and, of course, his life.
After Oher expressed his interest in American football, Leigh Anne did not hesitate to go all out to help him, which included advising the coach on how best to maximize Michael’s skills. (Did I not mention? Michael Oher has a 98% score when it comes to testing of protective instincts.) Along with SJ, also known as Shawn Junior, and Collins, Leigh Anne’s children, the film features the Tuohys providing Oher with a loving family, turning his life around 180 degrees, making Michael Oher a first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the year 2009 NFL draft.
Now you may think this film is entirely about shaping some homeless teenager into a famous American football player. I won’t deny it; that is partially true. But the film also features the transformation of the Tuohys lives. Leigh Anne didn’t just change Michael Oher’s life positively, but he, too, changed hers in return. Throughout the process of giving the best to Oher, Leigh Anne begins to realize just how fortunate and blessed she is. Recalling one unforgettable moment, when Leigh Anne presented a room to Michael Oher, all for him, Oher let out a giggle out of appreciation. Misinterpreting that Oher probably never had a room to himself, Leigh Anne asked in an informal tone “Why, Michael, never had a room to yourself before?” Replying in a tone of gratitude, Oher said, “No, I never had a bed to myself before.” The minute I watched that scene, I was simply overwhelmed. I paused the movie for a moment, let out a heavy sigh, and recognized just how privileged I am. That was, indeed, one of the most poignant moments found in this amazing film.
This film does not contain any noteworthy special effects that will leave its viewers in awe. However, what it does have is a special meaning that amazes and provokes the thoughts of many people. The lives of the Tuohys were enriched by the presence and company of Michael Oher: SJ finally learning how to be a brother, Collins standing up for her principles, and, most of all, how Leigh Anne was compelled by the urge within her to give back so much more to the community. The Blind Side is truly a film which promotes family bonding, as well as individual maturation.
Rated PG-13, The Blind Side has one scene which is less than appropriate for children. Involving drug abuse, alcohol, and gun shooting, Oher’s painful past was demonstrated here. A reduction of the amount of vulgar words found in the film would also be apposite for people of all ages.
Consisting of unbelievable moments which no words can express, having enough good scenes to outweigh the inappropriate ones, I would highly recommend anyone to sit down with their family and watch this wonderful movie.
