My husband and I finally got around to watching The Blind Side yesterday. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say, “Oh, you’ve GOT to see this movie!” But, because I had labeled it a sports movie, I was dragging my feet. What a mistake.
The movie was everything everyone had promised, and more. Inspiring, moving — and a positive portrayal of Christians, no less.
Now it’s the next morning and my writer’s brain has kicked into gear. What exactly was it that made the story so good? Well, for one thing, it was true — and no one can throw together an incredible story like the creator of life, Himself. Right?
But, let’s put that aside for a moment.
What made The Blind Side such a powerful emotional experience? (Writing-guru Randy Ingermanson’s term).
It is a story of rescue — we all want to believe that we can be rescued, plucked out of our miserable lives and delivered into paradise. Sort of a combination of Little Orphan Annie and Anne of Green Gables, but modernized with a quiet boy rescued from the ghetto. Rescue is one of our deepest felt human needs. Dig a little deeper and it is the story of redemption.
It is a story of self-sacrifice — The family (paticularly the mom in this case) risks their happy/easy life to reach out to someone, even though there is a decent chance it could backfire at any moment. We all want to believe that we would do the same. A similar theme plays out in Schindler’s List. It takes courage to do the right thing. How many of us have that? Too few — and that’s what makes it special, I suppose.
I am sure there is more to this. What was it about this movie that touched you at a deep emotional level? What made the story work so well? If you have seen the movie and remember your first reactions, I’d love to hear about them.
The mother-son relationship grabbed me. It parallels a real-life situation I’m involved in. After teaching so many years, I’ve seen too many kids who need love and care. I love sports movies because they expose the story behind the success. Beautiful blog!