The Blind Side

Rating: 8/10 (2 May 2010)

This 2009 drama follows the Touhy family as they learn that love and compassion reach past what makes them different. When Leighann Touhy (played by Sandra Bullock) meets Michael Oher, she is immediately drawn to him. After a difficult childhood with an absentee Father and drug addict Mother, the African American teenager was homeless and fending for himself. After much persistence, Leighann convinces Michael to spend time with her family. He quickly finds that he has a place within the family despite their obvious differences. With the help of Leighan, her husband Shawn (played by Tim McGraw), daughter Collins, and son SJ, Michael becomes a star football player who completes his high school diploma and earns a college football scholarship.
One great example of Leighann Touhy's love for Michael is when she travels to speak with his Mother. Leighan wanted to adopt Michael, but knew needed permission from his Mother. In order to do that, Leighann had to travel to a dangerous part of town and risk her safety. Leighann know the dangers of this neighborhood from a previous trip with Michael where he made her stay in the car. This word of caution from Michael did not stop her from making this trip alone. She did this knowingly and willingly because she wanted to give Michael a permanent place in their family.
To portray the danger in the neighborhood, the scene was shot in an area with run-down apartments that were close together. The element of fear for Leighann's safety was the use of people to crowd the neighborhood in small groups. This example plays on the common fear that women are in danger when they travel alone. A technique that was used to give viewers the idea that Michael's Mother's apartment was run-down was the use of lighting. The lighting was dark, giving the impression that the house was dingy.
While the story of The Blind Side is in a class all of its own, parts of the story do resemble that of the 2003 movie Radio. Both movies are about strangers who come across a child in need. Through love and understanding these strangers take these children and help them to find their true potential in the game of football. They teach that love reaches beyond differences. It sees no color, social class, or social norms. Love is pure and unconditional and this is demonstrated in both movies.