Films About Blindness
“Scent of a Woman”, 1992
Director: Martin Brest
This drama features Al Pacino as a blind, retired Army colonel who hires a young man to assist him during a tumultuous Thanksgiving weekend. The film is known for its powerful performances and its exploration of dignity and redemption.
Starring: Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Richard Venture, Bradley Whitford, Rochelle Oliver, Margaret Eginton, Tom Riis Farrell;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 156 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Scent of a Woman” on the website imdb.com
“Blindness”, 2008
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, this film is an adaptation of José Saramago's novel about a city that suffers an epidemic of blindness. The story delves into the chaos and societal breakdown that ensue, highlighting both the darkness and resilience of humanity.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Gael García Bernal, Danny Glover, Alice Braga, Yusuke Iseya, Jason Bermingham, Eduardo Semerjian, Don McKellar, Ciça Meirelles;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Blindness” on the website imdb.com
“Ray”, 2004
Director: Taylor Hackford
A biographical film about the life and career of the legendary blind musician Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Ray Charles earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The movie showcases Ray's struggles and triumphs in both his personal life and music career.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Aunjanue Ellis, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Ray” on the website imdb.com
“The Miracle Worker”, 1962
Director: Arthur Penn
This classic film tells the true story of Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf, and her teacher Anne Sullivan. The film focuses on Anne's relentless efforts to teach Helen how to communicate, resulting in a moving narrative of perseverance and breakthrough.
Starring: Patty Duke, Anne Bancroft, Victor Jory, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine, Kathleen Comegys, Maribel Ayuso, Dale Ellen Bethea, John Bliss, Grant Code;
Production year: 1962;
Genre: drama, biography;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Miracle Worker” on the website imdb.com
“Wait Until Dark”, 1967
Director: Terence Young
A thriller starring Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman who becomes the target of criminals searching for a hidden stash of drugs. The film is noted for its suspense and Hepburn's compelling performance as a resourceful and determined protagonist.
Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin, Richard Crenna, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Jack Weston, Samantha Jones, Julie Herrod, Robby Benson, Jean Del Val, Mel Ferrer;
Production year: 1967;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Wait Until Dark” on the website imdb.com
“Red Dragon”, 2002
Director: Brett Ratner
This psychological horror film features a character, Reba McClane, who is blind and becomes a crucial part of the plot. The film explores her relationship with the main antagonist and adds a layer of complexity to the story.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary-Louise Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Heald, Ken Leung, Frankie Faison;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Red Dragon” on the website imdb.com
“Notes on Blindness”, 2016
Director: Peter Middleton, James Spinney
A documentary-drama that uses the audio diaries of theologian John Hull, who went blind in the early 1980s. The film provides a deeply personal and philosophical reflection on blindness and its impact on Hull's life and perception of the world.
Starring: John M. Hull, Marilyn Hull, Miranda Beinart-Smith, Eileen Davies, Tim Gebbels, Simone Kirby, Mahalia Martin-Jones, Dan Renton Skinner, Sidney Warbrick, Stanley Warbrick, Lorelei Winterfrost, Jamie Bradley, Emma Rees;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary, drama;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Notes on Blindness” on the website imdb.com
“Dancer in the Dark”, 2000
Director: Lars von Trier
Directed by Lars von Trier, this musical drama stars Björk as a factory worker who is slowly losing her sight. The film portrays her efforts to secure a better future for her son, who is also at risk of blindness, through her vivid imagination and love for music.
Starring: Björk, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare, Joel Grey, Cara Seymour, Vladica Kostic, Jean-Marc Barr, Vincent Paterson, Siobhan Fallon Hogan;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: musical, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
“Blindsight”, 2006
Director: Lucy Walker
A documentary that follows the journey of six blind Tibetan teenagers who embark on a climbing expedition up the north side of Mount Everest. The film highlights their courage and the unique challenges they face, offering an inspiring look at human determination.
Starring: Gavin Attwood, Sally Berg, Sonam Bhumtso, Dachung, Jeff Evans, Gyenshen, Stefani Jackenthal, Paul Kronenberg, Kyila, Charley Mace, Steven Mace, Chris Morris, Tashi Pasang, Kami Tenzing Sherpa, Cornelia Tenberken, Sabriye Tenberken, Tenzin, Nguyen-Toan Tran, Ed Weihenmayer, Erik Weihenmayer, Michael Brown;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: documentary, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Blindsight” on the website imdb.com
“The Book of Eli”, 2009
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
A post-apocalyptic action film starring Denzel Washington as a lone wanderer protecting a sacred book. As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that the character is blind, adding depth to his journey and the film's themes of faith and survival.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Malcolm McDowell, Frances de la Tour, Michael Gambon, Tom Waits, Evan Jones;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: science fiction, action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
These films provide various perspectives on blindness, showcasing the strength and complexity of individuals who live with this condition. Each movie offers a unique narrative, contributing to a broader understanding of what it means to be blind.
Films about blindness offer a profound exploration of human resilience, perception, and the indomitable spirit. Through diverse narratives and characters, these films delve into the challenges and triumphs of those living without sight, presenting a poignant reflection on the human condition. They invite viewers to witness the world from a different perspective, fostering empathy and understanding while highlighting the strength and adaptability of individuals. Whether through heartfelt drama, thrilling suspense, or inspirational journeys, these films underscore the message that true vision extends beyond mere sight, illuminating the essence of humanity itself.
