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The Blind Side: A
Heartwarming Story of
Perseverance, Hope, and
Compassion
By Julia Striker
September 25, 2012
The worlds of the privileged and poverty-stricken rarely cross. The Blind Side brings these worlds together through compassion as it tells the inspirational story of an African American teenager. He lacks education and economic status, but overcomes these obstacles to achieve dreams he never imagined possible thanks to the help of a wealthy suburban family. Whether rich or poor, audiences will feel encouraged by this film because it destroys the walls between economic statuses, giving a message of hope to persevere through trials while emphasizing the importance of compassion. It is the kind of film that prompts self-reflection to inspire confidence and charity.
The Blind Side is an inspiring comedy drama based on the book by Michael Lewis about the real- life Cinderella story of NFL player, Michael Oher. The film begins by exposing Oher’s circumstances: a boy raised in the “projects” of Memphis, living in various foster homes, and finally left on the streets. His uncle, who occasionally takes care of him, persuades a prestigious Christian school to accept Oher for their sports programs despite his academic deficiencies. Oher, known as “Big Mike” to his fellow classmates, struggles to fit in at school as pampered white kids surround him. However, one family notices his situation and welcomes him into their home. Additionally, they encourage him in sports and academics to achieve more than he could have dreamed, especially in the midst of his obstacles.
I have always loved happy conclusions to movies. As cheesy as Disney princess movies are, my childhood fondness for them lives on within my heart. Hold on, do not rule me out as a sappy Nicholas Sparks critic and throw away my review just yet. The Blind Side , albeit a happily ever after ending, exposes the brokenness of reality but delivers a happiness in the end that is not just “getting the guy;” it gives a message of hope, perseverance, and compassion. These aspects of the film are heartwarming and draw in the audience and me emotionally. Analyzing the movie was an enjoyable experience not only because it is a feel-good film, but also encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives.
The star of the film, Quinton Aaron, beautifully depicts the disparity of an impoverished and abandoned boy. Even in the subtlety of his facial expressions, the audience can feel the past rejection from his family, the neglect from his teachers, and the cold-heartedness from state authorities, who by definition “own” him. Viewers cannot help but sympathize with Aaron as he trudges along when he walks, avoids eye contact, and hesitates to speak because he is clearly emotionally exhausted from the messy life he has known for all too long. He does not embellish his pain and act like a sad puppy moping around, but he conveys his loneliness in a manner that reflects the feelings of many who have found themselves with no one to turn to for support.
Sandra Bullock co-stars and seasons the film with her southern sass yet incredible compassion as she plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Christian school parent who takes action when noticing Oher’s unfortunate situation. Bullock’s no nonsense attitude brings a genuine presence to the film, and as reviewer Ann Hornaday wrote, “has a straightforward lack of cheap sentiment that saves it from being either too maudlin or saccharine-sweet.” I agree with Hornaday’s comment because Bullock draws a fine line between sugar and spice to keep the audience hungry for more. Additionally, Tim McGraw, who plays Sean Tuohy, compliments Bullock as her husband, and is a wonderful example of spousal support. Although his attitude can be overly “Yes, dear” to be believable, it works because I realize no headstrong man could marry a woman with the feistiness of Bullock’s character.
The comic relief of the film resides in Jae Head, the spirited son “SJ” of Bullock and McGraw. He has the innocent face of a little boy, but do not be deceived because he clearly inherited the quick-wit of his mother. Head’s performance is heartwarming because although Leigh Anne welcomes Michael into their family, SJ gives him a sense of belonging with peers. He is chomping at the bit to make a football star out of his new brother, and when recruiting season comes, SJ is all about cutting the best deal for Michael with some additional “perks” for himself.
It is encouraging to see the transformation in Aaron’s character as the film rolls. Beginning as a shy oversized mouse in the corner, Michael gains hope and confidence under the care of the Tuohys. He begins to stand up taller, walk with purpose, and shows self-assurance, as he is able to speak up in conversation because for the first time in his life, he feels significant and loved. School starts as a serious struggle for Michael, but with the encouragement of the Tuohys, teachers at school, and his quirky tutor Miss Sue, Michael believes in himself that he is smart and academically capable. Even with the build for football, he wrestles to find aggression in his tender spirit to think like an athlete. Fortunately, Leigh Anne understands how Michael thinks, and compares his team to family. “This team is your family,” she says, “and I need you to protect them like you would protect me.” This statement hits home to Michael because as Los Angeles Times critic Betsey Sharkey states, “He begins to trust that she will be there for him.” He is then able to translate his protective instincts to the field. Football becomes his personal pride, and credit is well due to the Tuohy family. They defined the true meaning
Life usually does not hand out fairytale endings, but Michael Oher went to the ball and got his glass slipper, too.
In a broken world of social injustice, it is refreshing to be blindsided by a true story that delivers surprising compassion and fills us with hope. Michael could have given up on his future, but with the kindness of the Tuohys and his trust in them, he persevered to achieve dreams he never imagined for himself. I think this film provides hope for its audience, showing that perseverance can make dreams come true and the compassion of family can redeem seemingly hopeless situations.
Works Cited
Hornaday, Ann. “When the Story Carries the Ball.” Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
“Image of Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock.” Moviefone.com. Photo. Moviefone: The Blind Side. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
“Image of The Blind Side DVD Cover.” Moviefone.com. Photo. Moviefone: The Blind Side. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
Levin, Josh. “Illegal Use of Sandra Bullock: The Blind Side Should Have Been a Great Movie About Football.” Slate.com. Slate Magazine, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
Sharkey, Betsy. “Review: ‘The Blind Side’.” Latimes.com. The Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2009. Web. 17 Sept. 2012.
Audience and Purpose
In The Blind Side , I see the extreme ends of the economic spectrum addressed, including both the privileged and the impoverished. These audiences are addressed because the movie is about an African American teenage boy who overcomes his lack of education and low economic status to become successful thanks to the compassion of a wealthy suburban family.
In my review, my first purpose is to motivate people to see the movie. I also aim to inspire those with economic and educational obstacles to put aside their limitations and pursue their dreams. Finally, I desire to motivate privileged individuals and families to show compassion unto those less fortunate and share their blessings with others.
