The Blind Side portrays a family trying to overcome societal divisions in the south.

Rating: 8/10 (22 September 2013)

Based on the novel by Michael Lewis, The Blind Side portrays the classic storyline of trying to find a place in the world. A powerful script written by John Lee Hancock strengthens the impeccable performances of Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. Their authentic expressions and flawless delivery leave viewers enthralled with The Blind Side.
Michael Oher is a young man from Hurt Village of Memphis, Tennessee. He has never had a permanent home, having been passed through the foster care system since a young age. He has been accepted to the elite Wingate Christian School mostly due to his size. The coaches want Micheal for their sports teams, but his grades need to improve greatly. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy are typical wealthy southerners. Their children, Collins and SJ, attend Wingate and after Collins' volleyball game the Tuohys see Michael picking up left behind popcorn to eat. They see him again walking in the icy rain after SJ's play. Leigh Anne decides to invite him into their home for the night. The next day, the Tuohys welcome Michael to stay for their Thanksgiving meal. After that, Michael never wants to leave.
Sandra Bullock delivers a strong performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy. Dressed in white she gives off an air of perfection, power, and protection that can not be duplicated. She upholds the definition of a matriarch being career driven but still soft at heart and feels compelled to help Michael. As Leigh Anne looks at Michael and gives him a hug, the audience feels the quickly building love that she has for Michael. This relationship takes two to complete and Quinton Aaron develops his part beautifully. Even though he has few lines, he is able to demonstrate his complex emotions through his expressions. When the Tuohys first see Michael, his past pains and current fears are expressed without him having to say anything.
This film earns its acclaim through Bullock's and Aaron's performances, but even more so from its powerful script and storyline. The Blind Side is based largely from Michael Lewis' book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. As writer and director, John Lee Hancock connects his viewers to the picture. He illustrates for them a story of a family opening their home to a boy most would just leave in the streets. Through scenes of love and affection between the Tuohys and Michael, Hancock melts viewers' hearts.
The Blind Side is an excellent depiction of a classic cultural struggle. Slightly disguised by a strong storyline and terrific acting, this movie brings up the social and racial divisions that are still present today. The Blind Side shows how one family chose to break those barriers for one boy. Leigh Anne Tuohy took many strides to prove to others that she loved Michael in spite of his difficult past. Hancock asks viewers to look beyond the cultural norm and see the possibility of fewer societal divisions.