My Left Foot (1989)

My Left Foot is an inspiring, well made drama about a man with cerebral palsy and the only limb in his body which he can fully control is his left foot. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards and winning 2 of them, My Left Foot was a huge win for critics and audiences alike. With stupendous acting from Daniel-Day Lewis and a breakthrough performance from Brenda Fricker, My Left Foot not only proved to be an excellent film, but an emotionally captivating drama about believing in yourself and never giving up. The acting within this movie was amazing. Daniel-Day Lewis won his first Oscar from his performance in this film, and would win one more 17 years later. His ability to move and act like a man with cerebral palsy was amazing, and in one intense scene at a restaurant in which he acted just like a child stole the show. He proved to be one of the best actors out there, as many you RT goers have said in blogs, but I have only seen one other film of his (Gangs of New York), and that performance blew me away. So I was completely surprised when I saw this film and this performance, for it topped Gangs of New York, and he became one of the best actors of all time in my mind. Brenda Fricker did an excellent job as well, showing how loyal the character of a mother is, and how emotionally touching they can be. And although she hasn't made any other great acting gigs within her life, she is still a one of a kind actor with a real tendency to make great performances. I also thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Shaw's performance, as she did amazing job acting within the restaurant scene, which I adored. The story itself is very strange. The opening scene might make one turn away from this film (for I almost did), because it's a bit disgusting staring at a man's foot for three whole minutes. But as you give this film time, and as the story goes on, you get very engrossed in the film. If this film was made in present time, with well done cinematography and editing, then this film would've been a masterpiece. The character development is phenomenal. I loved the growth and the attachment you have toward the characters within the film. It follows this man's life, and it shows how much he changes and how much mature he gets, and it's really a nice aspect to the film. But that brings me to the point of my favorite, most dramatic scene in the film; the restaurant scene. At one point in the film, the attitude of the film shoots up from a happy, every-things-going-well scenario, to a sad, angry kind of moment. Now, I don't want to ruin the scene for you, but it's the scene in which Daniel's acting is the best, the story is the best, and the overall change in character development is the best. I loved the scene, and I hope everyone who reads this does, too. In the end, this film is a very well done movie, but would've been much better if made in present time. I found the last scene in the film to have been my least favorite part, though. Now, I know many of you might disagree with this, but I think this last part was a bit to rushed. It also seemed a little cheesy, for after everything that happened in his life, all of a sudden, everything seems alright. I didn't like it much, but feel happy to disagree, for I would like to read your comments on this scene. All in all, My Left Foot deserved its spot on the nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but I really couldn't see it having a win for Best Picture. With an inspiring story, well acting cast, but alright cinematrapghy and editing, I give My Left Foot a 75%. Thanks for reading! If you still don't understand why I gave this film a 75%, please visit this blog below: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/user/935623/blogs/?id=703501