The Blind Side Review: Forever Changed
11/24/2009
Brooke Randolph, LMHC
 The Blind Side is not your typical adoption story, but the feeling that adoption chose you (rather than you choosing adoption) may be familiar to many who have gone through the process. The Tuohy family saw a child in need and acted immediately. What they found was that he changed their lives. They learned very little from the young man who spoke little and was able to forget the past and find the good in the world, a lesson his mother taught him to deal with her drug use. When Leigh Ann approached the state to become his legal guardian, she found that there was little additional information in his file. Although the Tuohy's were told that all they needed was a judge's signature to obtain guardianship, Leigh Ann sought Michael's mother. This was just one of the glimpses into the softer side of Leigh Ann. Throughout the film she came across as outspoken, strong, direct, and bossy; however, her deep caring was clear. These qualities also helped Michael respond to her and her to advocate for him. By the end of the movie, she had become one of my heros. Throughout the movie, Michael was transformed from a reserved, resigned child to a confident, playful young man who had found a sense of belonging. His little smiles throughout the film were golden.
Of course, football was a major theme of the movie, which made it even more enjoyable for me. The movie opened with Joe Theisman's game ending injury and a little education about Oher's position. Michael had never actually played football before, so his first practice was presented in a humorous manner. The Touhy's young son Sean Jr. or "S.J." helped coach Michael and teach him the game. The film depicts him as the one who submitted a video of Michael playing to recruiters. I loved the crunching sound with every tackle. The movie ends with the 2009 NFL draft when the Baltimore Ravens brought Michael Oher onto their team, followed by family pictures of the real life Touhy family, including Michael of course. The characteristic that made Oher such a wonderful player was his protective instinct (no, not his size), which was emphasized throughout the movie. It was also this characteristic in Leigh Ann, along with her courage, that allowed her to be a mama to Michael, making him a part of the Tuohy family.
There were many touching moments throughout the film. Another endearing characteristic was seeing confidence blossom from feelings of acceptance. It was absolutely heart breaking when he said he had never had a bed before and reminded me of all the children in Congo. Near the end, Leigh Ann narates that she had read a story in the news about a boy that had been shot. She says that it could have been any child; it could have been her son Michael, but it wasn't. I cannot find a source for the quote, so I will summarize: adoption may not change the world or change the system, but for that child and for you, the world will be forever changed.
The Blind Side is an inspiring, feel good movie filled with positive themes, laughs, and touching moments. Although non-traditional, it bathes adoption in a positive light and shows how wonderfully life-changing it can be for all involved. See it and feel free to share your thoughts here!
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