One of the most deeply moving movies out to close 2009 is probably The Blind Side, based on the 2006 Michael Lewis book of the same name. For those who like football and those who like feel good stories of people pulling themselves out of difficult circumstances in order to succeed, The Blind Side is a must-see.
The Story of the Blind Side
The Blind Side follows the story of Michael Oher (played in the movie by Quinton Aaron), who currently plays as an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. Oher came from a broken home, born to a single mother who was addicted to crack. He attended eleven schools during his first nine years of education and was often either a foster child or homeless. Oher’s father was murdered while he was in high school.

Things started to turn around for Michael when a friend, Tony Henderson, encouraged him to apply to get into a private school, the Briarcrest Christian School. The school accepted Oher provisionally if he could complete a home study program, but was admitted even though he did not complete that program.

The real turning point in Oher’s life was when he was taken in (and later adopted) by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw. The couple supported Oher through school and helped him raise his grade point average to the point where he could be accepted by Division I colleges. Oher was a standout football player in high school and received scholarship offers from many schools, but eventually settled on the University of Mississippi, which happened to be the Tuohys’ alma mater.

Michael Oher Today
Oher was an All-American at Ole Miss and was scouted as a high prospect. He planned to come out for the 2008 NFL draft, but stayed to play his final season at Ole Miss instead. In 2009, he was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens.

Critical Reception for The Blind Side
The Blind Side opened to strong reviews. Oher’s compelling story makes the film appealing to a wide range of moviegoers. Its opening weekend gross was the highest of Sandra Bullock’s career.