The Blind Side

I’m not usually one for pitching a movie to this extent, but I saw this movie last weekend and was blown away. For anyone who has seen this movie, I’m sure would feel the same and for anyone who hasn’t, I strongly urge you to see it. (It’s one of those rare movies that’s actually worth the theater ticket).

Based on the true story of Michael Oher, “Big Mike” was taken from his mother by social services early in his life and placed with family members. Bouncing between family members, Michael eventually became homeless and was taken in and provided for by a family whose strong matriarch pushed him to reach his dreams.

Once of the most striking aspects of the film is the contrast between Michael and children who grew up just like him and how he turned out compared to the others. Michael was exceptionally gifted at sports, but had he not been given the opportunities he was given, there most likely would not be a Michael Oher story.

I wonder how many more Michael Ohers are out there, who the world will probably never get to appreciate those individual’s talents and capabilities. The tangled web of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and child neglect is a difficult snare to climb out of. For this fortunate man, he had help from some very generous people and he climbed to success.