Customer Reviews

Emmanuel's Gift

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

watched this film because the DVD blurb by Oprah Winfrey (who narrates a good portion of the film) encourages "every parent to take their children to see this movie." And how many films have you watched that are set in Ghana?! Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born with a deformed leg and suffered all the disadvantages and humiliations you would expect in a third world country. His father deserted the family, then his mother died, but through perseverance of body, mind, and spirit, Emmanuel became a national hero as a champion of the disabled in Ghana. His initial feat was to ride a bike across Ghana on one leg to draw attention to the plight of the disabled; the rest of the documentary follows how this snowballed onto an international stage including visits with Kofi Annan (a Ghanaian), Robin Williams, and to even more remarkable athletic accomplishments. Emmanuel's "gift" involves a double entendre; he had his leg amputated and replaced by a prosthesis at Loma Linda Hospital in California, and of course his incredible story is a gift to all of us. Oprah was right; see this wonderful documentary about an incredible human being.

It was one of the lowest points of his life... This is when Emmanuel connected with his true deep-down all-encompassing thirst and hunger to achieve his ultimate core desire - Emmanuel wanted to make life better for all of the disabled in Ghana.

Emmanuel decided to make it happen. His first project: Show everyone what a disabled person could do - Emmanuel was going to ride a bicycle across Ghana!

What an incredible success story!

This is a touching story which I actually first found as a DVD movie at our local Hollywood video store as I was browsing for something worthwhile to watch (that is such a chore these days).

After I had seen it and was moved to tears, I set my whole family down to watch this inspiring story together.

After renting it, I came here to Amazon.com to purchase this DVD because it is a keeper!

As Oprah Winfrey said, "I think every parent should go take their children to see this movie because it will change the way your children think about what they can do and can be."

As a happily married father of six I wholeheartedly agree!

"Emmanuel's Gift" follows the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, born disabled in Ghana in 1977. In the land where, according to this documentary film, ten per cent of the population is born disabled and many of them have to beg in the street to live, Emmanuel sets out to make changes. His first step is a rather unique one, which is to write a letter to Challenged Athletes Foundation and ask them to send a bicycle to him. The Foundation agrees and Emmanuel rides the donated bicycle across Ghana to prove what he can do before the people.

Unfortunately the film does not have much footage of the sports activities of unstoppable Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who even participates in triathlon race using an artificial limb. (He underwent the operation to use one in America in 2003 when this documentary film project started.) Still you will be amazed by his strong will and determination and will also be attracted to his good, charming personality.

The 80 minute film directed by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern moves fast and slick with Oprah Winfrey's narration, but perhaps some may say it is too fast. The social background of Ghana could have been explored more as well as the hardships Emmanuel and his mother must have suffered (her wonderful personality, it is clear, had a profound influence on the character of her son).

Still the documentary, short as it is, is a precious record about a person who made a difference.

(As to the Robin Williams credit, remember that he only appears in archive footage and that's about 30 seconds.)

Would have rated it a five star for impact! We watched it with our grandchildren ages 5 and 7, stopping it along the way to explain and answer their questions regarding disabilities in general and what they were observing in the film. They were mesmerized by what they were seeing and by the courage and perserverence which Emmanuel demonstrates. At times it is hard to understand and moves at a clip which required us to replay many sections in order to follow. Highly recommend for helping children become more comfortable with special needs members of their community. Emmanuel's commitment to use what was given to him to overcome his own limitations and in turn use his gifts for the benefit of others is an invaluable lesson for all of us and especially for children in their formative years.

What an incredibly inspirational life. I appreciate Emmanuel's and Jim McLaren's gifts to the world. A must see for ALL! I can say no more.

This movie was phenomenal!!! Incredibly inspiring and helped me put my own life and struggles into perspective. One person really can change not only their own life and the lives of those around them, but single handedly change a country.

The story itself it's very inspirational. Emmanuel is not only a motivation for the disabled in his country, but for the rest of the world. The way the producers put together the interviews, the places, the pictures, the people, etc. makes you see the story from different points of view. It takes you from one reality in California to another one in Ghana. It makes you see how the human being is an amazing creation, specially when he shows the best feelings for others and wants to really help and make a difference in his society. An uplifting story that shows real heroes, real people who can motivate you to be a better person in your daily actions.

One of the few truly inspiring movies I've ever seen. Emmanuel's story is amazing. What a great heart he has. But also, two of the other "challenged" athletes in this film were equally as wow-worthy. To see what they have accomplished and what they don't take for granted makes you feel ashamed for John Q. American's being such a gluttonous, whining and spoiled jerk!! This film's endorsed by Oprah (and she even narrates parts of it), but it's good in spite of her usual sap. :-) Nice pick on this one Oprah.

Most documentaries and biographies look back on events and maybe recreate some of them. This movie is very special because the camera tags along during the journey of a courageous athlete. The key events are filmed as they occur and are woven into a lovely mural afterward.

One man faced his disability head on. He not only overcame his personal limitations; he transcended the conditions presented by his deformed leg. He dedicated his life to serve the higher mission. His deeds have improved the conditions for all of those like him in his homeland of Ghana West Africa. His tenacious actions have changed the perceptions and attitudes of people throughout the country.

This is an amazing saga that includes the fields of sports, medicine, charity, politics and education.

The story of this man's life has inspired millions from many walks of life in Ghana as well as the USA. The story could inspire you too.