The Power Of Kindness

Rating: Null/10 (30 January 2010)

'The Blind Side' is a wonderful portrayal of a heartwarming true story about football player Michael Oher and his family, especially his mother. At first glance it might look like one of those underdog makes it big type stories but this movie is just so much more. We are shown step by step the difference that the kindness Leigh Ann and her family contribute to Mike's growth and success. This is a family who selflessly took a child into their home to provide him shelter for one night. That night stretched into two and then three and then he was living with them.
What Leigh Anne Touhy and her family did was admirable to say the least and Sandra Bullock does a phenomenal job portraying her. I've often thought that Hollywood wasn't giving her enough roles to prove that she's a versatile actress. With films like 'Crash', 'Infamous' and 'The Blind Side' she has shown that she can do both comedic and intense roles excellently. Quinton Aaron is impressive as Oher while Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates are superb. I also liked child actor Jae Head's acting as the slightly mischievous, funny and friendly S.J. Lily Collins's Collins is far from the clichéd jealous daughter.
John Lee Hancock cleverly downplays many elements such as using dialogues with less words and yet they speak volumes. He avoids syrupy moments and clichés. He does bring up issues like racial and class differences but the film doesn't dwell on those nor does it attempt to makes a social commentary.
This inspirational film is first and foremost about kindness. 'The Blind Side' shows how an act of kindness can change someone's life and even turn it upside down. If others followed Leigh Ann's footsteps this world would become a much better place.