Emmanuel's Gift (2005)

That was an excellent one.

Captivating movie !

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

How can someone with so little do so much when so many with so much do so little? This man is an example of the greatness of the human spirit. He is a true inspiration. Everybody should see this. In a world full of terrible things, it is a shame that stories like this are buried in independent documentaries and not blasted out for everyone to see. The world needs to see more of stories like this and less of the junk we do see everyday. If you can watch this film and be un-moved, check for a pulse. The lessons learned in this film can be transfered to any country or any culture, including unselfishness, determination, guts, heart, motivation, love, and happiness to name a few. WATCH THIS FILD.

What a beautiful gift to receive from a man half a world away! The magnificent cinematography of Samson Chan, the deft production of Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern, and music by Jeff Beal (espeically the infectious Sengalese rhythms of Wasis Diop's "No Sant") come together for a truly uplifting experience. I was taken into the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah as he accepted challenge as opportunity, and transformed pain into joy. As he rose above the poverty and oppression in his life, I was reminded that it is I who have the disability when I see someone as less than whole. Don't be fooled by the dismissive reviews from some of the major print reviewers (NYT, etc.). Just open yourself to the experience and you will be moved. My viewing of this fine film comes via The Spiritual Film Circle, which consistently provides access to soul-nurturing cinema.

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah shows us in this film what it means to confront fear, obstacles, and challenges, and overcome. This man, in spite of being born without one full leg, being abandoned by his father, and cast aside in a country where the disabled are shunned and ignored, decided on one course of action. And that was to become the best he could at whatever God put in front of him. He redefines what it means to be disabled and let things get in the way of becoming the person you want to be. Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have given us a lovely and inspiring portrait of a unique man. All of us so blessed with opportunities and unparalleled blessings would do well to watch, learn, and be humbled. The Free Wheelchair distribution scene Emmanuel organized for the people in his own home town is some of the most disturbing and touching video you can watch. Emmanuel long ago stopped thinking of himself. His heart is so outwardly focused that his example can only make us better people ourselves.

I recently saw Emmanuel's Gift at the Port Townsend Film Festival, and was amazed at both the tenacity and beauty with which this film was crafted. It not only told Emmanuel's true story, but unveiled for the rest of us the hearts of several new worlds -- Ghana's familial, cultural and political climates, the joys and camaraderie of a global family of "handicapped" athletes, and the world of one confident, determined young man. Beautifully filmed and produced. Masterfully researched and reported. As with the new wave of documentaries making their way to mainstream theaters, Emmanuel's Gift is visually, technically and narratively top notch. First-class film-making and a world-class young man. I would recommend this movie to anyone.