What makes a family?

MANILA, Philippines - Family and football were two things All-American football star Michael Oher had never experienced in his life. But they ultimately became the two things that changed his life forever, in Warner Bros.’ new inspiring drama “The Blind Side” which is one of the surprise blockbuster hits of 2009 in the U.S.

Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates and newcomer Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, The Blind Side is directed by John Lee Hancock (The Rookie), who also wrote the screenplay based on the true-to-life book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis.

Growing up virtually abandoned in the poverty-stricken projects of Memphis — appropriately called Hurt Village — Michael had had few options and even fewer opportunities. But that was before he crossed paths with an unstoppable force in the person of Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock). What followed was a series of events that would be hard to believe, except for the fact that the events are true. Michael became a member of the Tuohy family, who nurtured his abilities both on and off the football field, resulting in an inspiring story that is still unfolding today.

Director/screenwriter John Lee Hancock says, “It really is two different stories, one of which is more of a question: Who is Michael Oher and why did the stars align to shine so brightly on this kid from the projects in Memphis? And then on the other side, it’s a great story about how this unique family evolved, and the unconventional mother-son relationship at its center. Sports, specifically football, was the engine that propelled the story forward, but he could have been a dancer or a pianist — it wouldn’t have made any difference. The journey that Michael and the Tuohy family go on is the heart of the movie.”

Bullock, who stars in the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy, notes, “The beauty of the story is that you think it’s one thing and it turns out to be something else, and those are usually the best things in life. I thought the script was going to be about football until I read it and realized that it’s really about family.”

She adds that, while it is obvious how much the Tuohys did for Michael Oher, “it was not that one-sided. They certainly did a good deed in taking in this young man in such a loving and generous way. But, in turn, he brought out a side of their family that they didn’t even realize was missing. The family seemed to have all the success and joy in the world, but when Michael showed up, it was as if he was the final piece to the puzzle.”

The actress’ observation is confirmed by her real-life counterpart, Leigh Anne Tuohy, who offers, “I think Michael had a much greater impact on our lives than we did on his. You take so much in life for granted, but when Michael moved in with us, he made us realize how blessed we are. We viewed life differently after he joined our family.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, The Blind Side is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.