The true story of Christy Brown, who was born with severe cerebral palsy and was only able to move his left foot, which he learned to write and paint with.

BIOPIC/DRAMA

My Left Foot (1989)

Directed by Jim Sheridan

Written by Shane Connaughton and Jim Sheridan

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Ray McAnally,
Fiona Shaw, Hugh O'Conor, Declan Croghan, Kirsten Sheridan,
​Ruth McCabe, Adrian Dunbar, Eanna MacLiam

Based on the book by Christy Brown

Oscar Wins - Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis),
Best Supporting Actress (Brenda Fricker)

Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Director,
Best Adapted Screenplay

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Connor Eyzaguirre

July 31, 2020

8/10

Few people have faced the kind of challenges and setbacks that Christy Brown dealt with on a daily basis. He was born with a severe form of cerebral palsy. He could barely speak beyond unintelligible grunts, and the only appendage he could manipulate was his left foot. But through hard work and an optimism unmatched by anyone, Brown became an accomplished painter and writer, all with his left foot. He learned to speak through intense speech therapy, and he achieved a voice despite doctors calling him a lost cause from birth. The incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis won his first of three Oscars portraying Christy Brown in this momentous biopic.

Day-Lewis showed the entire world how incredible of an actor he was with his performance in My Left Foot. His dedication to his transformation made him a force to be reckoned with right out of the gate, and he brings a singular intensity that no other actor possesses. You can see that same intensity in Gangs of New York, There Will Be Blood, Lincoln, and Phantom Thread, just to name a few of his other masterful performances. The supporting cast don't hold a candle to him, but they perform admirably. While you will easily be captivated by Day-Lewis's performance, Christy Brown's story is just as intense and fascinating.

It's incredibly inspiring learning about Christy Brown's struggle just to be recognized as a conscious person with feelings by both the world and his own family. I must also give praise to Hugh O'Conor, who portrayed Brown as a child. He was unreal. This film is a fantastic true story (that may have fudged some details regarding Brown's marriage, admittedly) and a solid watch.