Movie Review Paper: THE BLIND SIDE

I. Title: The Blind Side

II. Abstract

The movie The Blind Side is a two hour long film released in 2009. At its center is the teenager
Michael aka "Big Mike". He is a young black American who has come from unfortunate
circumstances that are quite common in their country. Though, he has experienced quite a
"few" disaster in his life, that all changed as he was enrolled in a Christian school in the richer
part of their area. He was initially registered due to his physical and sports aptitude in their
football team with the help of his brother.

There he came across a compassionate family. This family saw the kindhearted and gentle giant
he was. The film is narrated from the perspective of one of the main characters in the story,
Leigh Anne. Leigh Anne with her direct and righteous attitude saw the boy as he was. Alone and
trying his best to survive. Simple and chance encounters became fate for both Leigh Anne's
family and Michael. A one night sleep over became a long stay for the poor teenager. The
family members all contributed to his development to be himself. They taught him how to
value his opinion, to stand for what he believes is right, to protect what he loves and to strive in
all he does.

III. Introduction

This movie review of the film The Blind Side is to provide a clearer view of the perspectives and
values surrounding the circumstances of the people within the movie. The message of hope and
reality for the people who is in the same situation as Michael. The moral dilemmas presented
regarding the decisions of the movie will be further discussed in this paper.

IV. Body

The movie is a biographical sports drama film written and directed by John Lee Hancock. It
originates it's story from the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis.
The film begins with the retelling of a clip of how a blind side from the football perspective is.
Since not all knows how football is played. Teasing us of the real life situation and the under
lying message of the movie. The director protrays the protagonist as a slow witted and
empoverished Michael Oher. With the help of his adoptive parents Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy,
he was able to overcome such unfortunate circumstances. The film director stayed close to
using colors and interactions that were normal per se. Not too much action, suspense or drama.
Let's say it's close to real life.

The actors played by Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy, and
Quinton Aaron as Oher. Bullock showed great portrayal of the character and values of her part.
Focusing on the non verbal cues and emotions to convey emotions and conflict. Tim McGraw
showed passable enough acting interns of his role. Whereas Aaron showed enough of acting
though the actual scenes was not able to show the actual growth of his character.

It should be noted that Academy Award winner Julia Roberts was originally offered Bullock's
role, but turned it down. Despite Bullock initially turning down the starring role three times
due to discomfort with portraying a devout Christian. By her own account, Bullock felt she
couldn't objectively represent such a person's beliefs on screen. But after a visit with the real
Leigh Anne Tuohy, Bullock not only won the role, but also took a pay cut and agreed to receive
a percentage of the profits instead.

The film's storyline shows great conflict in terms of facing the reality of those in the same
situation as of Michael. The lack of education and opportunity for him and many more shows
that there could have been more. The perception of others that he has low IQ and has no
chance to excel in his academics shows the sad reality for the community. The connotative that
someone who has a good sports ability should be corraled his potential. Small interactions
within the story such as the social communication and prejudice can be seen without
exaggerated scenes. The file also presents the dilemma of the Tuohy family, their moral
obligation and the logicality of it all. Not everyone can be as able and good intentioned as they
are. Surrounding the suspicions not just from others shows heartbreaking yet truthful portrayal
of the scenes.

The film's plot despite the origination from the book I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness, to
The Blind Side, and Beyond, displeasure was expressed by the author. Oher wrote, "I felt like it
[the movie] portrayed me as dumb instead of as a kid who had never had consistent academic
instruction and ended up thriving once he got it." It seems that despite the biographical theme
of the film, it has not stayed faithful to the original story of the book. Despite his displeasure
with his portrayal in the movie Oher has stated that he likes the film's message of perseverance
and the general treatment of the Tuohy family and has been quoted as saying, "It's a great
story. It seems like they helped me to get to this point. They're my family and without them I
wouldn't be here," and "They taught me a lot of things, showed me a lot of different things. It
shows that if you help somebody and give somebody a chance and don't judge people, look
where they can get to.
V. Conclusion

The film The Blind Side is an above average movie that presents a realistic picture of life and
struggle for those young Black Americans in the USA. The actors especially Bullock showed
great performance though the script writing showed lack of content or grit for most. Overall,
the movie shows a great example of hope and reality for many not just Black Americans but all
who are in a similar situation as Oher. The fact that there are kindness found around us and
that when you help someone, they will help themselves. This movie has been entertaining in a
nostalgic and realistic way of presentation of the scenes. The ironic thing would be the
protagonist in real life disagree to some of the traits connotated to his character.

VI. Literature Cited

1. "The Blind Side Box Office". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 5, 2010.

2. Schlabach, Mark (June 29, 2009). "Prominent coaches turn actors for film". ESPN. Retrieved
July 1, 2009.

3. Johnson, Richard; Kirk, Jason (July 21, 2017). "Hugh Freeze, Houston Nutt, and Michael Oher
just made 'The Blind Side' super weird". SB Nation. Retrieved December 27, 2018.

4. Abramowitz, Rachel (December 16, 2009). "A Bonanza Year for Sandra Bullock". Los Angeles
Times. Retrieved March 8, 2010.

5. Oher, Michael (2012). I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to The Blind Side, and Beyond.
Avery. ISBN 978-1592406388.

6. "Michael Oher Says 'The Blind Side' Has Ruined His Football Career". Shadow and Act. April
20, 2017. Retrieved Aug 21, 2020.

7. Linda, Holmes (February 8, 2011). "Beyond 'The Blind Side,' Michael Oher Rewrites His Own
Story". NPR. Retrieved August 21, 2020.