The Blind Side (2009) - movie review

With the current blockbuster movies generally being either predominantly violent, animated, or full of special effects it’s a nice change to actually find a movie that concentrates more on the story rather than adding gratuitous sex or violence to draw in the audience.

The Blind Side, based on a 2006 Michael Lewis book, is the true story of Michel Oher’s transformation from a homeless drop-out with perceived learning problems into a leading NFL prospect. Focusing on the story of how Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) took ‘Big Mike’ into her house and family and showing how a bond between the family members slowly grew, it is a very touching and wonderful story full of hope and courage, and of the ways that love can break down barriers between race and upbringing.

With the current blockbuster movies generally being either predominantly violent, animated, or full of special effects it’s a nice change to actually find a movie that concentrates more on the story rather than adding gratuitous sex or violence to draw in the audience.

The Blind Side, based on a 2006 Michael Lewis book, is the true story of Michel Oher’s transformation from a homeless drop-out with perceived learning problems into a leading NFL prospect. Focusing on the story of how Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) took ‘Big Mike’ into her house and family and showing how a bond between the family members slowly grew, it is a very touching and wonderful story full of hope and courage, and of the ways that love can break down barriers between race and upbringing.

The movie cleverly contrasts the lifestyles of the well off white neighborhoods and the black ghettos; we delve into both sides of the ‘street’ as we see the ignorance and racialism of Leigh Anne’s friends; we also get a glimpse into the dangerous world of gangs, guns and drugs and see how this can change the life of able young men, leading to many untimely deaths.

The story doesn’t focus entirely on these two parts of society but slowly guides us along the inspirational story of Michael Oher and the courageous woman who guided him and perhaps saved him from a fate far tougher and more frightening than the one he ended up with. Sandra Bullock does a fantastic job (well worthy of the Oscar she won for the role) of portraying this strong, intelligent and feisty woman whose heart is huge, and her love that she gives without expectation is humbling.

As we meet the members of the household who struggle at first to come to terms with the new family member, we begin to see a side of humanity that seems sorely lacking today. As we see the daughter Collins (Lilly Collins) slowly accept and then become proud of her new brother, we perhaps see a glimpse of hope in today’s society one that may one day be free of all barriers.

Even more interesting is the reaction of S.J (Jae Head) who instantly liked his new ‘cool’ brother, and actively participates in Michael’s emergence as a star player – his invigorating desire to do his best for his brother is refreshing. Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) just accepts what is happening to him in a gently and non assuming way – he doesn’t expect anything and is truly grateful for what he received; Michael has had a very tough upbringing, and while the movie does delve into this, it cannot show the full extent of the fear, devastation and horror that Michael must have felt as he grew up.

What we end up with is a very satisfying and wonderful movie that tells an inspiring true story and shows that there is hope for us yet – with stellar performances from the cast, including award winning Sandra Bullock and my personal favorite Jae Head, this movie is well worth all the accolades it received – The Blind Side is one of my favorite movies from 2009 and is up there as one of the best movies I have ever seen!