Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

©2009 ALCON FILM FUND, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This inspirational, rags-to-riches sports drama from writer-director John Lee Hancock (The Rookie, Remember the Titans) is the slightly sanitized story of Michael Oher (well played by newcomer Quinton Aaron), a huge, homeless high-school kid who, with the help and love of a dedicated society matron (Sandra Bullock) and her family, found a home, improved his grades, overcame his disadvantages and realized his dream of making it to the NFL. I know, the story’s not new. Also, the film is just a bit manipulative, and occasionally edges perilously close to sentimentality. And some think we’ve had enough white-people-helping-poor-black-people flicks. But on the other hand, it’s largely cliché-free, avoids mawkishness, and works for the most part by letting the emotions emerge gradually and on their own. Plus it’s entertaining. A good portion of the credit goes to the career-best performance by Bullock, who should maybe do more of these dramas and fewer romantic comedies. She absolutely nails the juicy role of the irrepressible Leigh Ann Touhy. A real hoot! Also Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates and Lily Collins. Adapted from Michael Lewis’s “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game.” Japanese title: Shiawase no Kakurebasho.