Review of The Blind Side (2009) by Maksim B — 27 Jan 2018

A movie which will initially evoke feelings of "been there, seen that", The Blind Side is a based on true events sports drama which strikes the viewers with its huge heart, touching and inspirational story. A simple and predictable delivery, it explores the loving and giving nature of people, without falling into annoying or boring cliches.

John Lee Hancock's delivery tells the true story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a poor teenager whose fate is changed when the Tuohy family (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw) open their house to him. A story of giving love, helping each other and believing in success, The Blind Side would have been just another feel-good tear-jerker if it was not for smooth blend of drama and comedy as well as the brilliant performances of Quinton Aaron and especially Sandra Bullock. Both of them, directed by Hancock, succeed to deliver moments of tears and moments of fun to the audiences in an extremely convincing and heart-warming way. The story of how Michael was saved and elevated from poor, crime-soaked environment to a college and NFL stardom is one that will surely please the mainstream viewers. However, what deserves also a significant attention is Sandra Bullock's performance. The depiction of the conservative, but determined Leigh Anne Tuohy is one that earns admiration. Bullock succeeds to amplify the dramatic moments and touch the hearts of the viewers with her endless believe in good and second chances, which ultimately got her the Academy Best Actress Award.

In conclusion, The Blind Side is one of these rare and delightful gems which go completely against the odds of the majority of deliveries from this painfully known and cliched genre. A movie to be seen over and over again, the story of Michael Oher is one that I would strongly recommend (and watch over and over again).