Just saw 'The Blind Side'

[zebra15]

And either I'm majorially PMSing or something because I cried for the whole dang movie.

But I do have to say its a great movie and it was FREE at the library.

[2M's Mom]

I'm half way through the book, can't wait to see the movie!!!

[limabean]

We just watched it a couple nights ago too -- I cried a lot too. It was good!

[annettemarie]

I took my 11-year-old to see it in the theaters and got it for him for Easter as well. It was so nice to watch a movie with positive values that was also very well done.

[Monarchgrrl]

I actually was prepared to cry more than I did. I still cried a bit though. I thought it was really well done. The only thing I didn't like was the big part of the movie that is untrue. Michael did an interview (a few actually) to get the word out about something he was upset about. He said the movie is quite accurate except the part about them needing to teach him football. He had been playing football and basketball his entire life and was a natural at both. A prodigy, really. That's why they wanted him at the private school. He was already amazing at these two sports. He hated how the movie showed that he knew nothing about football. He said no one ever had to teach him to play. He said it's wrong for people and kids to think you can learn football late in highschool and still make it to the NFL. He said he made it to the NFL because he'd been working his butt off in football since he was a little kid and because of the love and support of the Touey (sp?) family. I wish the movie had portrayed that accurately. I would be mad if I were him, too. Besides that, I loved the movie and plan on buying it!

[Essie]

So it wasn't cheesy Hollywood? I mean, I like S Bullock, and I know it's a true story, but from the trailers it just strikes me as kind of..."even white rich people can take a poor black kid in and still come out looking ok and now we all get a long...etc."

I can't say anything cause I haven't seen the movie. That was just the opinion I formed when I saw the first trailers.

I know it's a true story but I'll bet if it weren't not many people would like it.

Does that make sense?

[Monarchgrrl]

Essie, I think the point of the movie ended up being "Look, there are a lot of talented athletes and good kids on the other side of the tracks and they end up in jail or dead because they aren't given the opportunities that affluent white people are given. But look what a bed and a loving family can do for someone!" It was more from his point of view than the family's point of view. But both sides were changed for the better in the process.

[Essie]

MonarchGirl;'

ok,ok, thanks for the explanation I also kinda wonder what the black audience thinks of it. ??? Everyone that I know who has seen it is white so...

[Monarchgrrl]

Essie, I was wondering the same thing. Then again, since it is his true story I can't really imagine anyone could really take much issue with anything about it. Since it really did happen that way. I dunno. I could see it being something to take issue with if it was a made up story to show how white people can save black people. I dunno. Then again, I'm white, too, so I have no idea.

[kama'aina mama]

http://newsone.com/entertainment/cga...ind-of-racism/

Blind Side the movie peddles the most insidious kind of racism, one in which whiteys are virtuous saviors, coming to the rescue of blacks who become superfluous in narratives that are supposed to be about them.

I've seen enough "nice white lady" movies for my whole life at this point and I wish they'd stop making them.

[ASusan]

Originally Posted by kama'aina mama

http://newsone.com/entertainment/cga...ind-of-racism/



I've seen enough "nice white lady" movies for my whole life at this point and I wish they'd stop making them.

I agree with kama'aina here, and this is primarily why DH and I won't bother to see it. Notice that the man who the movie is ostensibly about - Michael? - says in interviews that his "true story" was altered to a story line in which the character needs (even more) help from whites to learn football/basketball. No, the truth was that he needed a place to sleep - that POVERTY was the primary factor here. But it was necessary - to make it more dramatic, acceptable by dominate culture/Hollywood - to make his character even more in need of rescue. This increases the positive feelings that a largely white audience can receive from viewing the film.

[meemee]

wow!!!

as an anthro major i am loving the different perspectives about this movie.

and yes you are so right asusan. they had to go change the truth. sad!!!!

culture is such a fascinating subject.

[lotusdebi]

The movie wasn't as ridiculous about the white people save black man concept as I feared it would be. But, that feeling was definitely still there. And it was far too Hollywood for me. I did cry a little, but I've cried more during a Dove commercial. I love Sandra Bullock, and I think she did a good job. But, I think the movie Precious was far superior to The Blind Side - a more real (definitely not Hollywood) storyline, better acting, and a much better script. For entertainment purposes, The Blind Side was an adequate movie. When you look at the racism, it becomes very irritating. And the plastic Hollywood coating on a true story just plain sucks.

[Freedom~Mama]

I loved it and thought it was a great feel good movie. I also thought that Sandra Bullock was fabulous in it!