The Blind Side

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2016)

Oftentimes, the opportunity to change someone's life completely is disguised as an isolated random act of kindness. John Lee Hancock's 2009 feature The Blind Side starring Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock in a career-defining role shows just how far a series of kind acts can go towards changing someone's life and giving them purpose. Seventeen-year-old Michael Oher could have been like the thousands of other disadvantaged persons of color ending up in gangs or victims of violence had it not been for the intervention of one family from Tennessee. In a world where everyone had given up on him, Michael Oher just needed one reason to shine, which he got, and it all started with a new shirt.
One rainy night after a high school basketball game, Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is walking back to the gym, hoping to find some food left behind and a dry bleacher to sleep under. Also leaving the game are Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock), Sean (Tim McGraw), Collins (Lily Collins), and S.J. (Jae Head) Tuohy, an affluent family from Memphis. Seeing the cold, wet young man walking aimlessly in the rain, Leigh Anne instructs her husband to pull over and check on him. When Michael indicates that he is intending to sleep in the gymnasium Leigh Anne insists that he stay overnight with them, intending to figure out his situation in the morning. When the sun rises, it is revealed that Michael has no permanent address, and has gained entry to his exclusive high school through a favor of a friend. Leigh Anne then buys Michael some clothes and designates a room for him in her home, bringing him into their family. As their time together progresses, it is clear the impact the Tuohy family is having on Michael, but what is unexpected is the impact Michael is having on the Tuohy's. Michael is teaching the constantly busy philanthropist Tuohy family to come together more as a family and enjoy their time together, and more importantly, to rise above the societal expectations of their wealth and to always do the right thing. In the deep south, the presence of an African American teenager in a rich white family is heavily judged against and misunderstood by friends and family alike. Nothing will get in the way of Leigh Anne, however, and when Michael shows an interest in football, she stops at nothing to instruct the coach on how to motivate Michael on the playing field and goes the distance to help him qualify for play by improving his grades. When Michael proves to have a natural ability toward football, scouts instantly start noticing him and offering scholarships. After Michael plays for a Division 1 football team, he is selected in the NFL draft in 2009. None of the opportunities that befell upon Michael would have been possible without the Tuohy's, going to show just how much positive impact people can have on one another when they set their mind to it.
The Blind Side wastes no time outlining its message, opening the film with video of the break heard 'round the world. The opening shot of the infamous tackle of Lawrence Taylor to Joe Theismann and the way it changed the game of football was a perfect opener to introduce the left tackle highlighted in the film. The film was also bookended well with mention of Lawrence Taylor at the end of the film as well, wrapping together the vehicle that paved the way for Michael Oher's brand of football. Sandra Bullock looks as good as I have ever seen her on-screen, completely capturing the heart and attitude of the real Leigh Anne Tuohy, more than earning her well- deserved Oscar. This film teetered the line between serious and fun in an exquisite way, never disrespecting the real family, and never being too much of a tear-jerker in the wrong places. One of the best examples of this tight-rope walk is the cameos of all the famous college football coaches that made their way into the film. The coaches were a great way to conceptualize the process and a great deal of fun for college football fans in the audience. Kathy Bates as the democrat tutor, the first democrat the Tuohy's ever knew personally to be exact, was a fun addition to the film. It was also nice to see the real Tuohy family pictures as the credits rolled on. The story of the courageous kindness of the Tuohy family is an exemplary example to all of us and a well-needed dose of goodness for the world to see.
Sandra Bullock's portrayal as a protective, independent, take no nonsense mother was the shining part of The Blind Side. Her brand of ruthless kindness and an unwavering moral compass was a refreshing change on the common female character that blends into the background. There is no blending with Bullock's portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, she is clearly in charge of her family and seeks to raise upstanding human beings, whether they are related or not. Her bringing in of Michael Oher into the family was a wonderful mutually beneficial gesture, and one that sticks with the audience to emulate in whatever way is feasible for them.