Do you remember that one film from your childhood that you always managed to find comfort in, no matter what current situation you may have been facing? For some it may have been a nice family comedy. For me, it was the heart warming, believed to be true story known as ‘The Blind Side’.
That is until we saw the true story behind the film crumble to pieces.
The 2009 film, based off the 2006 novel of the same title, is based on the real-life events of an underprivileged African American teen by the name of Michael Oher. The film is set over a two-year period. Michael, who has spent many years bouncing between foster homes, is taken in by an upper-class white family living in Memphis after crossing their path at his new school.
The opportunities and quality of life provided to Michael by the Tuohy family, Leigh Anne (portrayed by Sandra Bullock) in particular, allowed Michael to turn his entire life around and overcome his greatest challenges. As a result of this, Michael Oher graduated from high school with a GPA of 2.56, went to the University of Ole Miss (in Mississippi) and prior to his graduation was a first-round pick for the 2009 NFL draft.
Michael’s adoption by the Tuohy family was a significant story line of the film. However, it seems to also be the film’s biggest inaccuracy from the real story. Just last year it was discovered by Michael himself that the family who he thought claimed him as one of their own never actually adopted him. Instead, he was “tricked” into signing a conservatorship agreement instead, waiving away his ability to gain control of all of his finances.
In light of this information, I’ve taken it upon myself to revisit the film to view it in a new light. Has the revelation of the false adoption impacted the way I enjoy the film? Let’s find out…
Now I know some may consider this statement to be slightly overdramatic, but I went into this re-viewing feeling like a core memory of my childhood had been ripped away from me. But much to my surprise, the overall impact the film had on me was not tarnished one single bit. At the end of the day, majority of cinematic pieces are fiction anyway… right?
I found that the news of the conservatorship controversy was quick to escape my mind, especially when I was too busy feeling all nostalgic through some of my favourite scenes.
Throughout ‘The Blind Side’, it is made very clear that there is a great difference between the lives of the lower-class black community, referred to as ‘The Projects’ or ‘Hurt village’, versus the upper-class white community. They are two completely separate sides of town until Michael forces the two worlds to collide, with a little help from Sean “SJ” Tuohy Jr.
The relationship of SJ and Michael, in my opinion, was the film’s saving grace. Had I not developed a soft spot for the pairs’ relationship in the past, I may not have felt the same way.
It is also hard to look past the other important messages the film shares.
Racism, whether it be blatant or more passive aggressive, is a recurring theme of the film. When Michael immerses himself in a new school, it is made very obvious, very quickly, that this community is predominately caucasian.
It is made clear throughout the film that the community where the Tuohy family live and operate is not used to welcoming people of colour with open arms. Whether it be a lunchtime scene with Leigh-Anne and her friends, or a football match, Michael is the punchline for numerous jokes just because of the colour of his skin.
Eventually, Leigh Anne and other important adult figures in Michael’s new life, are pushed to a point where they can no longer listen in silence. His coach and Leigh Anne break their communities typical ‘status quo’ in order to stand up against Michael’s poor treatment.
It is these types of scenes that play through my head on a regular basis. Not only does it stand against racist behaviour, but it also encourages the female voice and power. Two very important messages that many people still may need to hear.
While it was tricky for me to return to the film for the first time after learning the cold, hard facts of the story which it was inspired by, ‘The Blind Side’ still, and I am sure forever will continue to hold a special place in my heart.
Despite the information online damaging my view for the story buried underneath, the film overall sends too many important and positive messages to ignore. After all, some of societies greatest cinematic masterpieces and important means of story telling are fiction too.
15 years on from the film, the ‘real’ Michael Oher lived out a successful eight year run in the National Football League (NFL), winning one Super Bowl title in 2013. After retiring due to injury in 2017, he married his long term partner of 17 years in 2022, and successfully had his conservatorship from the Tuohy terminated in 2023.