An Encouraging, Compelling, Drama

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2015)

The Blind Side was an enjoyable movie. Although, the movie was based on a true story it was delivered in a very appealing manner. The movie cast really brought the movie to life. Sandra Bullock played the role of Leigh Ann Tuoly, Quinton Aaron played the role of Michael Oher also known as Big Mike and Jay Head played the role of Sean Jr. Tuoly also known as S.J. The cast made me forget I was watching a film that was based on a true story. It was as if the storyline was playing out for the very first time. Big Mike was a high-school age teen, who played football. He lives in poverty, going home to home, school to school, without much family support or stability. Big Mike, is ultimately befriended by S.J. who is much younger than he and they develop of friendship. The interactions of Big Mike and S.J. caught the attention of S.J's mom, Leigh Ann Tuoly; Big Mike, did not go unnoticed from Leigh Ann from that point on.
The complexity of Human relationships and Coming of Age were two of the most prevalent themes throughout the movie. Most people that came in contact with Big Mike, were intimidated by him because of his size. No one took the time to get to know him or understand his plight; until Leigh Ann did. Even when Leigh Ann, decided she wanted to take Big Mike in, her family and people around her weren't very supportive initially. People simply did not understand and most people are afraid of what they don't know. Big Mike dealt with the complexity of human relationships in several facets. Once Leigh Ann, took him in, he went from living in poverty to living very comfortably. It wasn't until he began living with Leigh Ann, did he have a bed of his own for the very first time; which was a big difference from how he was accustomed to living. Big Mike was also as a large black man, now living in a community that was primarily white. He had to adapt to the stares, glares and some people just not liking him.
Another film that comes to mind with a similar theme is Precious, only it's more intensified. While the main character Precious played by Gabourey Sidibe, also dealt with the complexity of human relationships; the complexity was with someone really close to her; her mother. The person we seek love from the most, naturally. Fortunately for Precious, she encountered someone at school who saw past her flaws; her teacher; Ms. Rain played by Paula Patton. Ms. Rain, seen something good in Precious, just as Leigh Ann, seen in Big Mike.
The techniques in "The Blind Side" seemed to be the coolest at night, on the football field. The view of the stadium lights gave for such a great illusion, gearing our attention to the football field and the football players. There were many other people and objects in those scenes but we were drawn to the football field. I also really appreciated the slow motion effects, it made you anticipate what was going to happen next. It really pulled you into the scene, you felt as if you were there.
The movie was definitely one that dealt with the complexity of Human Relationships and it was interesting to see some of the complexities overcome the throughout the movie. By the end of the movie Big Mike did not deal with as many complexities, nor conflicts, which made for a great movie.