Writer/Director: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have took the attention of audiences like Sandra Bullock. Ever since her rise towards recognition in the 1990’s, Bullock has created memorable movies. Whether it is gravity-defying space survivors, bold mothers or jewelry robbers, Bullock has played several interesting characters. Arguably, Bullock’s best strength as an actress has been her presence. She is one of those rare actresses which has always had a larger-than-life presence which elevates every movie. Bullock has never been of afraid taking risks in her career by playing complex characters that aren’t often likeable. Through her abilities to create characters that are easy to relate to, Bullock has become an actress that audiences value. Showing strong commitment to her craft, Bullock has become an icon in entertainment. Throughout her bold career, Bullock has made many unforgettable movies which are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a big fan of Bullock and adore all the films she has created in her career. However, “The Blind Side” is definitely my favourite. Following its release in 2009, John Lee Hancock’s movie has become a celebrated classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, spellbinding storytelling and stirring acting, it’s one of the best sports movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a great performance by Sandra Bullock, who embodies a mother which seeks to care for a troubled black football player. Ultimately, what makes “Blind Side” a great masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about race, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A riveting masterpiece about poverty-stricken black men, there are many reasons why “The Blind Side” is a great film that’s worth seeing.
Based on true events, “The Blind Side” tells the story of a traumatized African-American boy which becomes a famous football player with pride. Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Touhy, a compassionate mother that has always tried to do the best to raise family. Leigh is a caring woman that has always cared deeply about the well-being of those that are less fortunate than she is. However, Leigh’s life dramatically changes when she takes care of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Oher is a poor black teenager haunted by a past of parental abuse. Oher has always had dreams of becoming a celebrated football player. Leigh immediately takes liking to Oher recognizing his talent for playing the game is football. Determined to care for Oher, Leigh embarks on a journey to ensure that he has a bright future. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Leigh begins to wonder whether Michael will ever be a famous football player.
John Lee Hancock is a newcomer towards the themes of poverty. Before he made “The Blind Side”, Hancock had never made a film about racism in his career before. It was Hancock’s first attempt to capture the tensions faced by African American football players which face tragedy, but he succeeded immensely. Using gorgeous cinematography, Hancock captures the tensions faced by poverty-stricken black teenagers facing adversity. Emulating Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Hancock effectively use point of view shots capturing tensions black men in racist neighbourhoods are facing. For instance, point of view shots enhance the house discovery scene. During this unforgettable scene, Michael pays a visit to his childhood home discovering that it has been evicted causing disaster. One admires point of view shots capturing the hardships black teenagers are facing. Point of view shots are tricky to use. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, point of view shots elevate horror movies about scary sharks. Nevertheless, they work immensely in this film. Through stunning visuals, Hancock captures the tension black teens are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Blind Side” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well-made. Hancock expertly uses production design to capture the lives of African American teenager facing a decline. Throughout the film, Hancock expertly uses costumes to capture the lives of black teenagers which face a big transformation. For instance, strong costumes elevate the shopping scene. During this strong scene, Leigh Anne takes Michael shopping to change clothing. One appreciates costumes capturing the transformation of black men in poverty-stricken neighbourhoods. Moreover, the music is magnificent. Carter Burwell’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that black teenagers which seek football success bear. Through powerful production, Hancock captures the tensions of black men seeking recognition.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Blind Side” is a film that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice-over narration to convey the lives of black teenagers facing tension. Hancock’s screenwriting strength is his ability to capture the lives of African American teenagers that face tension through narration. For instance, narration elevates the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Leigh Anne recounts her first impression of Michael when she met him with detail. One appreciates narration thar captures the perspectives of women enduring tension. Narration is a tricky technique to use in films. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested, narration elevates commemorated movies about intellectual disabilities. Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” claimed narration elevates commemorated movies about prison redemption. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Hancock captures the lives of black teenagers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sandra Bullock delivers one of her best career performances as Leigh Anne. Bullock earned appreciation for playing strong feminist action heroes on speeding buses. With “The Blind Side”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman adopting black teenagers in foster care but Bullock succeeded tremendously. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and funny in her most memorable role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resentments of a woman struggling to raise an African American teen facing tragedy. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actresses that’s currently working in Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Sandra Bullock, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Quinton Aaron is astonishing, capturing determination of an impoverished black teenager seeking to find success in competitive sport that causes tension. Tim McGraw is terrific, bringing raw energy to a coach inspiring his teams to gain victories which cause awe. Lastly, Lily Collins merits appreciation. As a teenage girl seeking recognition, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “The Blind Side” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of football players with pride. Unlike most movies about football, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, marriage and racism which resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of football to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about prejudice which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Blind Side” is one of those rare commemorated sports films everyone will adore.
Fans of Sandra Bullock will appreciate “The Blind Side” so will movie-goers seeking tense entertainment. A captivating sports classic, it honours a commemorated actress that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly a 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about caring mothers seeking to guide African-American football players facing a blind side, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy earning pride for her abilities to portray strong women in movies which have left audiences satisfied.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 