The Blind Side

(PG) Warner DVD/BD

Sandra Bullock’s Academy Award-winning performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy is the centrepiece of this film. While not as heartbreaking as the recent Precious, the film follows the real-life exploits of homeless boy Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), his relationship with the Tuohy family and his eventual rise to become an NFL football player.

Strikingly, the film details Leigh Anne and Michael’s relationship and her conviction as a Christian to unconditionally love another human being. Bullock plays the forthright Leanne with conviction and her nuanced performance helps raise the material above what could have become movie-of-the-week trifle.

Any suggestion that the film is about the “white messiah” complex is quickly dismissed by the Tuohys faith in stepping out against convention and making a genuine difference in Michael’s life. The Tuohys eventual adoption of Michael further seals the deal. And Aaron’s performance as Michael, the gentle giant who needed a mentor and stable home is a film standout. Be inspired by Christianity in action.

Extras across both formats are exhaustive, with features on the real life Tuohy’s and Michael Oher along with production diaries and conversations with the actors. If you loved the film, the extras round out a great package.

Adrian Drayton