Films About Disability in 2017
The portrayal of disability in film has evolved significantly, offering nuanced narratives that challenge stereotypes and highlight the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. In 2017, several films emerged that brought attention to the struggles, triumphs, and realities of disabled characters, showcasing their stories with depth and sensitivity. These films not only entertain but also educate audiences about the diverse perspectives within the disability community.
“The Upside”, 2018
Director: Neil Burger
This comedy-drama follows the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic man, Philippe, and his caregiver, Dell, an ex-convict. It explores themes of friendship, humor, and the challenges of navigating life with a disability, while also highlighting the transformative power of human connection.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, Aja Naomi King, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, Genevieve Angelson, Golshifteh Farahani, Tate Donovan, Julianna Margulies, Suzanne Savoy, Michael Quinlan, James Georgiades, Rachel Christopher, Diego Aguirre, Fernando Mateo Jr., Kimberly S. Fairbanks, Tatiana St. Phard, Rachel Alana Handler, Ricky Garcia, J.J. Gonzalez, Zak Corrigan, Jayson Ward Williams, Kittson O'Neill, Brian Gallagher, Phillip Chorba, Julie Potter, Tom Schmitt, Tyrone Mitchell Henderson, Christine Chang, Jason Bowen, Pia Mechler, Rigoberto Garcia, Karen Christie-Ward, John David Miles, Indra A. Thomas, Mikai Anthony, Jane Moore, Madeleine Woolner, Ambur Braid, Erica Brookhyser, John Moore, Yi Li, Michael William Kondyra, Nick Greece, Rob Sporrer, James M Adams, Adriana Alveario, Michael Antonio, Kristina Aponte, Tariq James Arthur;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Wonder”, 2017
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Based on the bestselling novel, this heartwarming film tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream school for the first time. The film addresses bullying, acceptance, and the importance of kindness, showcasing the impact of Auggie's journey on his family and peers.
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic, Julia Roberts, Noah Jupe, Mandy Patinkin, Daveed Diggs, Sonia Braga, Danielle Rose Russell, Nadji Jeter, Mark Dozlaw, Rukiya Bernard, Jennifer March, Bryce Gheisar, Elle McKinnon, Ty Consiglio, Kyle Breitkopf, James A Hughes, J. Douglas Stewart, Millie Davis, Ali Liebert, Joseph Gordon, Cameron Roberts, Erika McKitrick, Ben Immanuel, Jason McKinnon, Izzy Lieberman, Hannah Hoberman, Michael Alan Healy, Nicole Oliver, Emily Delahunty, Lucia Thain, Sasha Neuhaus, Rachel Hayward, Callahan Brebner, Caleb Gordon, Grayson Maxwell Gurnsey, Emily Giannozio, Haley Goldin, Maccie Margaret Chbosky, Victoria V. Cruz, Crystal Lowe, Steve Bacic, Jason Tremblay, Liam Dickinson, Emma Tremblay, Armen Henry Bagdasrov, Lidya Jewett, Kaelyn Breitkopf, Gidget;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
“The Sound of Music”, 1965
Director: Robert Wise
This documentary follows the journey of musicians with disabilities as they navigate the challenges of the music industry. It highlights their talents and passion while addressing the systemic obstacles faced by artists with disabilities.
Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, Nicholas Hammond, Heather Menzies, Duane Chase, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath, Angela Cartwright, Richard Haydn, Eleanor Parker, Peggy Wood, Ben Wright, Daniel Truhitte, Anna Lee, Portia Nelson, Norma Varden, Gilchrist Stuart, Marni Nixon, Evadne Baker, Doris Lloyd, Leon Alton, Gertrude Astor, Frank Baker, Herman Boden, Alan Callow, Steve Carruthers, James Gonzalez, Sam Harris, Irvin «Zabo» Koszewski, Ada Beth Lee, Bill Lee, Margery MacKay, William Meader, Monty O'Grady, Jean Ransome, Fred Rapport, Leoda Richards, Jeffrey Sayre, Bernard Sell, Norman Stevans, Bert Stevens, Doreen Tryden, Maria von Trapp;
Production year: 1965;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, family, biography;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 172 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “The Sound of Music” on the website imdb.com
“Me Before You”, 2016
Director: Thea Sharrock
Although released in 2016, this film continued to gain attention in 2017. It tells the poignant love story between Louisa, a quirky caregiver, and Will, a wealthy man who becomes quadriplegic after an accident. The film raises discussions about the ethics of assisted dying and the complexities of living with a disability.
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance, Brendan Coyle, Jenna Coleman, Matthew Lewis, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Vanessa Kirby, Stephen Peacocke, Eileen Dunwoodie, Pablo Raybould, Gabrielle Downey, Henri Charles, Samantha Spiro, Alan Breck, Muzz Khan, Richard Goulding, Diane Morgan, Stephen Chance, Joanna Lumley, Sharon Cherry Ballard, Lily Travers, Chuku Modu, Verity Marshall, Manuel Severi, Sofia Abbasi, Mohammed Ali, Rubi Ali, James Francis Andrews, Alice Bailey Johnson, Gintare Beinoraviciute, Jennifer Catford, Emma Clandon, Bernard Collaco, Alexander Cooper, Elizabeth Croft, Amber Elizabeth, Alex Jaep, Michael Koske, Ross Learoyd, Matthew John Morley, Marine Morot, Jesmond Murray, Deanna Mustard, Alida Pantone, Gino Picciano, Ruth Shaw, Sam Shoubber, Sophie Stanton;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Me Before You” on the website imdb.com
“The Miracle Season”, 2018
Director: Sean McNamara
While technically a 2018 release, it was widely discussed in 2017 prior to its debut. Inspired by a true story, the film follows a high school girls' volleyball team as they rally together after the tragic loss of their star player, demonstrating resilience and the importance of teamwork in overcoming personal challenges.
Starring: Helen Hunt, Erin Moriarty, William Hurt, Danika Yarosh, Jason Gray-Stanford, Natalie Sharp, Tiera Skovbye, Lillian Doucet-Roche, Nesta Cooper, Burkely Duffield, Jillian Fargey, Vanessa Wiebe, Cassandra Bagnell, Rebecca Staab, Steve Richmond, Garry Chalk, Makena Lei Carnahan, Dee Jay Jackson, Candus Churchill, Ava Grace Cooper, Bailey Skodje, Derrek Morrison, Andrea Adams, Jan Bos, Chris Robson, Michael Meneer, Emmett Carnahan, J.C. Williams, Eli Gabay, Steve Malcolm, Larissa Dias, Cedric De Souza, David C. Woolfreit, Carolyn Adair, Peter Brown, Zeeshan Goawala, Tom MacNeill, Kelsey Marsland-Anderson, Mark McNamara, Rebecca Merasty, Derek Schnobb, Linley Subryan;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Miracle Season” on the website imdb.com
These films reflect a growing awareness and representation of disability in cinema, encouraging audiences to engage with stories that resonate on multiple levels.
The selection of films about disability in 2017 showcased the power of storytelling to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. From heartwarming tales of triumph to thought-provoking narratives that challenged societal norms, these films captivated audiences and sparked important conversations. By portraying characters with disabilities as complex and multidimensional, these movies shattered stereotypes and fostered a greater understanding and empathy. Through their poignant narratives and exceptional performances, these films made a lasting impact, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
