The Secret of Success of the Movie The Blind Side, A Review

The Blind Side, written and directed by John Lee Hancock is a must see for mature viewers. The movie brings to life the heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, true story of National Football League (NFL) player, Michael Oher who played by Quinton Aaron. Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw play the brave married couple, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy while Lily Collins and Jae Head play their two biological children, Collins and S.J. Tuohy. The production was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 but the actual happenings took place in Memphis, Tennessee. The directors picked a specific home in Atlanta to film in because the home greatly resembled the Tuohy’s actual family home in Memphis. The fact that they already have two children of their own before adopting another truly sets the scene for a great story and film. The Actors and actresses in this film really bring it all to life. This movie is extremely well casted and is a main reason it did so well. It cost Warner Bros Production $29,000,000 to create and produce the film. On the other hand, it grossed $317,000,000 worldwide at the box office earning $288,000,000 in all. This could not have been possible without the enormously talented actors and the portrayal of deep subjects that touched viewers hearts.

The film starts out with the Tuohy family before they adopt “Big Mike” (Michael Oher), to be a part of their family. The Tuohy’s are a southern, white, wealthy, football loving bunch who truly exemplify what it means to be a selfless. In the society we live in, it is unfortunately seen as strange for a person of color to join a white family. The Tuohy’s knew Big Mike from the school Collins and S.J. were attending at the time, Briarcrest Christian School. They knew he was poor, lonely, and did not come from a stable home. After Leigh Anne and Sean talked it over with the children, the family decided to take Big Mike in their home and have him join the family as one of their own. However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows for the Tuohy’s. In an interview, Leigh Anne Touhy states, “We knew people were going to have issues with it (taking Michael in) because we have a daughter the exact same age as Michael… You just need to mind your own business. You worry about your own life and I’ll worry about mine.” (Lewis) Not only do the Tuohy’s allow Big Mike to live with them, but they get him the help he needs in the classroom and on the football field. It is a long struggle to get him to graduate, and when he does the only decision left is where he will attend college and play football in the Fall. After much hardship and controversy, he makes a decision and the Tuohy’s are both proud and humbled by all that he overcomes.

This production was all around fantastic, but one worthy attribute were the phenomenal actors and actresses casted. With Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw as the main characters, the viewers should expect greatness. Sandra Bullock embodies all that a caring mother should- intense, nurturing, and selfless. With the role that Bullock was playing, she needed to be able to fight for what was right and for her children. She exemplified a strong-willed and determined woman, which is exactly who Leigh Anne Tuohy is. Although Tim McGraw is usually wowing us at a concert and not on a film, he absolutely took the viewers breath away. He states that he was nervous at first about acting in the film after the movie aired. “I didn’t think I would be interested, but I read it and it stuck with me.” (Phillips) McGraw plays the role of a patriarchal leader of an extremely close-knit family. He is a humble sports commentator and restaurateur. He is the main provider for his family of 5, and although he is more laid back, he is a strong voice in deciding to take Big Mike into their home. Both Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw make the movie that much more of a success and the viewers heavily enjoyed seeing them get to play the role of a married couple.

Another strong aspect of this film is the portrayal of racism and how to react to it in a respectful manner. In a southern town, it is no secret that an interracial family is looked at differently than a monoracial family. People in communities can be prejudice and quite frankly, it is pathetic that this is still something families are dealing with in the 21st century. However, the Tuohy family is a prime example of how to react to such racism and ignorance. The movie shows a scene where Leigh Anne is being interrogated by her friends about letting a large, black boy join their family while having a daughter the exact same age as him. Leigh Anne acts with pride and poise when she lets her friends know that she does not care about his race. She then gets up from the table and leaves knowing that Michael’s race or genetics does not determine if he is her child or not. However, this incident prompts Leigh Anne to ask Collins how she truly feels about having him live with them to which she says that she is happy he is safe with them. The film does a great job of showing the family reacting to racism and how strong they are while dealing with it. As I left the movie theater I left with a new sense of respect and admiration for interracial families. The Blind Side teaches all viewers to treat all people with love, respect, and selflessness no matter how they differ.

Although viewers were nervous going into the movie, The Blind Side exceeded all expectations. It touched hearts all around the world and made an impact on people of all ages to do good in their community. The actors truly brought the film together and reacted to racism in such a positive and inspiring light. This film will go on to be viewed for years to come. Although we are not all called to do what the Tuohy’s did, this film shows that we can all make a difference in our own way and we are making a huge impact on those around us and in the world.