OSCAR TRIBUTES ARE BACK WITH : "THE BLIND SIDE"

Well well, I haven’t been mentioning the Oscars® for a while now and there are quite a few films I am yet to see! So the other night I decided to make it a long night and watch “The Blind Side”. As you probably know, the film brought Sandra Bullock her long-awaited Oscar for Best Actress. It was also much talked about because of the so-called “religious overtones” it carried. In short, after hearing so much about it I was pretty curious and eager to watch it, which is why I decided to stay up until 01.00 a.m. on a working day. I am very glad I watched the film but kinda wish I hadn’t bothered to sit up so late doing so. Allow me to elaborate…

This (as you all probably know by now, but hey don’t grumble maybe some people don’t!) is the true story of Michael Oher. At 17 he has been in foster care for most of his life, he is a huge fellow with a reputation to being “rather slow” that’s why people in the neighborhood lovingly refer to him as “Big Mike”. One day, a family friend manages to get him into Wingate Christian school. This extraordinary event takes place partly due to the charity and Christian values of the school and partly thanks to the school coach who immediately sees Oher’s potential for rubgy and wants him on his team. Mike, however, doesn’t seem to be taking well to the school… Until a completely chance encounter brings him in touch with the Tuohy family. On a stormy night (when Michael is heading to the school gym “because it’s warm there”). Leigh-Ann and Sean Tuohy are driving their son Sean (also a student at Wingate Christian School) back from the school play. Seing the young man has nowhere to go, they invite him into their home. What begins as a Christian and charitable gesture turns out to be a life-changing experience for one and all. Oher is adopted by the family and thanks to their – but especially Leigh-Ann’s support starts an incredible journey that will take him all the way into the realms of professional rugby…

Now, this is a wonderfully, warm, fuzzy, happy film. It is basically a modern fairy tale – and a true story at that. It is a kick-back and feel good movie, ideal for after a long day at the office. If you don’t have genuine faith in human nature after watching this, you have something genuinely wrong with you. And Sandra Bullock is a funny and inspiring Leigh Ann Tuohy. However, that’s it. I loved the film but somehow expected more from “an Oscar ® film”. This is what I might call “light entertainment” all be it good quality light entertainment but all the same… And the Christian issue, well to be honest, as a non-Christian it didn’t bother me. They are undertones more than overtones. I mean, ok, there are long discussions containing the term “The Christian thing to do”. The kids go to a Christian (underlined) school. Leigh Ann constantly wears a discreet (yet easy to notice) crucifix (and it’s a free country! This is an observation not criticism!). I could mention a few more little things. But the film doesn’t by ANY means act all “in your face” about it. It is an undertone, a background element surrounding an amazing story. And to be honest, when such a story “happens” it needs to be told, the fact that the main actors are devout Christians has nothing to do with it.

So just go see that movie already! Just save it for a Friday night, not 11.00 p.m. on a Monday night – take it from me that’s a bad time to watch it ;)