Michael Oher‘s Journey: Debunking Inaccuracies in ‘The Blind Side‘ Film

Michael Oher, the former NFL offensive tackle, has recently come forward to address inaccuracies in the Oscar-winning film ‘The Blind Side‘. The movie, which tells the story of Oher’s life and his adoption by the Tuohy family, has been criticized for its portrayal of several key events and characters. In this article, we will delve into the discrepancies between the film and reality, providing an in-depth look at Oher’s journey and the Tuohy family’s involvement in his life.

The Adoption Process

One of the most significant inaccuracies in ‘The Blind Side‘ revolves around the adoption process. In the film, the Tuohy family, comprised of Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy and their children, S.J. and Collins, decide to adopt Michael after learning about his difficult past. However, in reality, the adoption process was much more complex and involved several other individuals and organizations.

According to Oher, he was initially taken in by a different family, the Smiths, who were part of a program called ‘Backyard Orphans’. This program aimed to provide temporary housing for homeless children until they could be placed in foster care or adopted. The Smiths were not able to care for Oher long-term, and he was eventually placed in the care of the Tuohy family.

The Tuohy Family‘s Involvement

Another inaccuracy in the film pertains to the level of involvement the Tuohy family had in Oher’s life. While the movie portrays the Tuohys as being heavily involved in Oher’s life from the moment they met him, Oher has stated that this was not entirely accurate.

Oher has revealed that the Tuohy family did not become involved in his life until he was already living with them. Prior to this, he had been living with the Smiths and attending school. The Tuohys did not play a significant role in helping Oher get into school or providing him with the necessary support to succeed acadically.

Michael Oher‘s Academic Performance

The film also inaccurately portrays Oher’s academic performance. In the movie, Oher is depicted as struggling in school and requiring the help of a tutor to improve his grades. However, Oher has stated that he was actually a good student and did not require additional tutoring.

Oher has also clarified that he did not attend Briarcrest Christian School, as depicted in the film. Instead, he attended Memphis University School, where he was a standout athlete and student.

Leigh Anne Tuohy‘s Personality

The character of Leigh Anne Tuohy, portrayed by Sandra Bullock, is also inaccurately depicted in the film. While Bullock’s portrayal of Tuohy as a kind and caring individual is accurate, Oher has stated that Tuohy was not as heavily involved in his life as the film suggests.

Oher has described Tuohy as being more of a ‘mom’ figure, providing him with a stable home and support system. However, he has emphasized that she was not as actively involved in his daily life as the film portrays.

Conclusion

While ‘The Blind Side‘ provides an inspiring and heartwarming portrayal of Michael Oher‘s journey, it is clear that several inaccuracies exist within the film. By examining these discrepancies, we can gain a more accurate understanding of Oher’s life and the role the Tuohy family played in his journey.

For more information on Michael Oher‘s journey and the inaccuracies in ‘The Blind Side‘, visit here.