OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- FAVORITE MOVIES DEALING WITH DISABILITY

I wrote this article for publication in The Phoenix on May 19, 2006 .With the Oscars only a few weeks away, this topic is appropriate..

There have been many movies over the years with either disability as the central theme or focusing on a character with some sort of physical or cognitive challenge. Most are serious, inspirational films that are hard to forget. The good ones have a touch of humor as well, and most of all, realism.

Below are my favorite top 10 movies dealing with disability. The bond which ties them together is empathy, honesty and realism, not sentimental, sappy, patronizing and condescending stories which, unfortunately, have also been prevalent (Made -for-TV movies often fall into this category).

In no particular order or preference, here are my  top 10 movies to rent, not only for entertainment value, but for a better understanding of someone who happens to be disabled.

1. My Left Foot (1990): An excellent movie, mixing both humor and heartbreak. Daniel Day-Lewis deservedly won an Academy Award for his portrayal of writer/artist ( and wheelchair user) Christy Brown.

2. Children of a Lesser God (1986): A love story about a teacher at a school for the deaf, and the hearing-impaired woman he loves. Actress Marlee Matlin, deaf off-screen as well, won an Oscar for her performance. The story is a bit sentimental, but the acting is superb.

3. Murderball (2005): The documentary last year, winning rave reviews, about physically- challenged athletes who play rugby in their wheelchairs. Honest, with both action and understanding.

4. Rory O'Shea Was Here (2005): A gem of a little film, about two physically-challenged young men yearning for independence. Funny and touching.

5. The Elephant Man (1980): John Hurt brilliantly played a deformed man who won respect and admiration.

6. Mask (1985): Another movie about deformity, starring Cher and Eric Stoltz, the young man wearing "The Mask." An underrated film which doesn't look for sympathy but educates.

7. Born on the 4th of July (1989): Tom Cruise was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of a Vietnam veteran.

8. A Patch of Blue(1963):  : Sidney Pointer stars in a movie about both racial and disability prejudices in the early sixties.

9. Rain Man  (1988): A movie about acceptance. Dustin Hoffman won an Oscar for his performance as Raymond Babbit,a middle-aged man who is autistic. It features the relationship with his long-lost brother ( Tom Cruise).

10. Ray (2004): The story of  blind musician Ray Charles, which won an Academy Award for Jamie Foxx

Honorable Mention: "I Am Sam", "Slingblade", "The Other Side of the Mountain" and "Coming Home."