No one will be blind to the beauty of this true and very inspirational story, Michael Oher is a genuine hero

Rating: 9/10 (15 December 2009)

Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) has just had the "good fortune" to be accepted into a private, Christian school in Memphis. Once the football coach got a glimpse of "Big Mike", he was determined to get the teenager enrolled, for the lad is very tall and very broad. But, unknown to everyone, Michael has had a difficult life up to this very moment. He has been in and out of foster homes for years, after the authorities discovered his mother's drug habit and his father's absence. At the present, he is living at the all-night laundromat, where each night he washes out his two shirts. The teachers at the school learn Michael is bright but can not read or write well. Alas, too, the other pupils don't extend the hand of friendship. One day, however, an elementary student named SJ strikes up a conversation with Michael that makes the big guy smile. Later that night, SJ and his parents, Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) are driving home from a school event when they spy Mike, coat-less, walking out in the cold. When Leigh Anne learns SJ knows the teen, she insists on asking Michael to come home with them for the night. Learning a few necessary facts, Leigh Anne and Sean soon invite Michael to stay with them as long as he wants. Before many weeks have passed, Michael is a part of the family and has his own room and some new clothes. The Tuohys also help Michael with his school work so that he will be able to make the football team. But, will Michael's past come back to haunt his relationship with his new, loving family? This is an outstanding movie that is very touching and very inspirational. Michael Oher is one truly courageous and hard-working athlete who opened his heart to a new family and a new life when he met the Tuohys. Yes, this rich Memphis couple deserve much praise, also, for their efforts to turn Michael's existence in a new direction. But, only Michael could have made the extreme changes and dedication that allowed him to flourish, on the football field and in school. Bravo, Michael, bravo and more. As the principal characters, Bullock, McGraw, Kathy Bates and especially Aaron are most wonderful. All of the lesser actors are very fine, too. The setting in Memphis is authentic, from the worst side of town, where Michael was born, to the best, where the Tuohys reside. Costumes and production values are terrific, as are the script and surefooted direction. In short, make certain that you include time for you and yours to see this absolutely winning movie. No one will be blind to the beauty of its tale of love and triumph.