The Blind Side is the true success story of Michael Oher and how by the help of the Tuohy family he went from the streets to a star.

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2014)

'The Blind Side' Tackles the True Story of Michael Oher
Based on a true story. Showing these words at the beginning of a film immediately captures the attention and emotions of the audience. Films based off of a true story naturally make it easier for the audience to relate to the characters and empathize with them. This holds true for the emotional, heart-warming film The Blind Side. The true story of Michael Oher touches the hearts of all audiences.
Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the African American son of a crack-addict mother and absent father, grew up in the stereotypical 'slums'. Michael literally had no direction when Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) found him wandering the streets in the middle of winter and offered him a warm bed for the night. This turns into many nights and then a permanent home. Michael Oher turns his life almost completely around while living with the Tuohys. He improves in the classroom and becomes a star on the football field. Michael Oher's 2009 draft into the NFL made this movie a blockbuster when it was released because of his true life story.
The Blind Side was nominated for 22 awards and took home eight mainly for the phenomenal acting by Sandra Bullock. She shined brightly in her role as Mrs. Tuohy, a rich, Southern-belle, white woman who takes Michael in. The conviction in every single one of Bullock's lines validated her decision to defy social norms and make Michael Oher part of her family. Though some may say the story whose focus was supposed to be on Michael Oher, focused too much on Bullock's portrayal of Mrs. Tuohy, the balance and relational dynamics between her and Aaron only enhanced the story. Bullock's soft but direct expressions like, "you threaten my boy, you threaten me," perfected her role as an authoritative and proud mother. Mrs. Tuohy and Michael developed a completely believable mother-son relationship on screen.
The story of Michael Oher is nothing short of emotional however, director John Lee Hancock never forces the audience to break down and cry. The emotion-laden scenes like when Mr. and Mrs. Tuohy ask Michael if he wanted to be part of the family and he replies, "I kinda thought I already was," are quickly balanced with a spark of humor, typically exhibited through the lively younger brother S.J. played by Jae Head. This balance is key to an emotional film because the audience remains emotionally invested without worrying about constantly having to dry their tears. The audience can grieve through the struggles Oher faces with school and his absent family and then laugh with S.J's way of describing football plays with the entire contents of the Tuohy's spice cabinet.
Hancock, did an amazing job portraying the true story of Michael Oher and his shambles to fame life. Some may critique him for turning the 'true story' into a more Hollywood version, but in films this is usually for the better and in this case it definitely is. He may have embellished a few parts of Oher's life, but unlike other 'true story' films he does not add unnecessary violence, sexual innuendos, or romance, yet he still captures the audience.
After seeing this film, prepare to have a heavy heart and a smile on your face. The story of Michael Oher and Mrs. Tuohy will leave you longing to make a difference in someone's life just as the Tuohys did for Michael, or at least longing to see another 'based on a true story' film.