Customer Reviews

Gifted Hands [VHS]

5 star:		(74)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

We had seen the movie that aired on TNT Febuary 7th, 2009 and really enjoyed it. Searching on Amazon, we found this same title in the "Movie" section on DVD. It is NOT the drama that was aired on TNT. Amazon does not present this product with enough detail to know that it is a documentary of Ben Carson. It is a great video but we still would like to get a copy of the TNT broadcast if they ever release one.

When I first saw this movie on TNT in January 2009 I was so impressed I began an immediate search for a copy to show my adult children and my grandchildren. This movie is so inspiring for school students, for mothers, for any adult who has not had the self-discipline (myself) to do what is necessary to reach important goals. The message is "If Ben Carson could overcome all he overcame--I can do what I need to do." Now, he did have a few assets - a phenomenal mother; a core belief in God; a willingness to learn; an unusual amount of morality. He certainly deserves all the wonderful things that came into his later life. I could not find the movie in January, so I read several of his books--a good idea even if you see the movie. He has more to offer than the movie could possibly show. This movie may never win a Hollywood oscar, but it is #1 on my list of family movie greats.

In a word: INSPIRING. My six-old son watched this with me. When he saw what young Ben had to go through as a student from his peers and from society, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said "And he STILL wanted to learn?" He got it. And anyone, young or old will to if you watch this great movie. Kimberly Elise's portrayal of Sonya Carson brought tears to my eyes, but I never felt sorry for her. Without a lot of explanation, you knew she had a hard life but she was no one's victim. She did what had to be done whether it be pushing her sons academically or checking herself into a hospital to help deal with her depression (when mental illness was still taboo). Ben's mother was the real hero of this story and her son's achievements are the result of her love, sacrifice and deep faith in believing her children could be anything, despite what label society tried to lay on them. This movie is a great excuse buster!

If there were TEN stars this one would get it. I've never seen a movie with Mr Gooding in that he did not do an excellent job, but this surpasses them all. Yes-inspirational. For kids of ALL ages 5-105, finally!

This is the most insperational moves I have seen. If you doubt the work of God in ones life this will clear up that doubt.

I am SO happy to find out that this movie will be released for purchase. Ever since it aired earlier this year, I have been searching the web for any information on when it would be available for purchase.

This is a story that is inspiring to all ages. My husband and I were able to watch it with our son and discuss the choices that Ben Carson had to make in his life.

We were then blessed to be able to take him to hear Dr. Carson speak live at one of our local universities. It was very exciting for him to "see" history with his own eyes.

I would especially recommend this movie to be seen by all young Black boys and teens to show them that no matter what society or life may throw your way, you can still overcome your circumstances if you apply yourself and make positive choices.

There are two "Gifted Hands" dvd's, the cheap one is a documentary, the expensive one is the movie. There's no mention of that in the description of either dvd, so I assumed the expensove one just had more outtakes, interviews, etc. and ordered the cheap one, then I had to order the other to see the movie, and for a TV movie, it was overpriced, so I feel I paid about 3 times the price of a regular movie just to watch it. It left me with a feeling of being ripped off twice.

Gifted Hands is an incredible story of what faith and love can accomplish against devastating odds against it happening.There was every reason for a mother, with no formal education to speak of,to just give up on a son with serious delinquency and identity problems.But,she just didn't try to eke out a modest correction in her son; she told him that he could dream and be anything he dreamed. From the detroit ghettos to chief pediatric neurosurgeon at John Hopkins Hospital! If this isn't true Black history then there just isn't any! In a current black america where to many black males do not have father role models,this is one instance where one was not needed!

"Gifted Hands" is a true story (not a figment of someone's imagingation)of of boy who grew up in a single parent home, got bad grades in school, and was a real loser. However, his mother motivated him to get books from the library and read them every week. This video portrays his struggles as a boy, how he was able to overcome his obstacles, how he developed faith in God, and how he has grown to become one of the most renowned Neurosurgeons in the world. This is an excellent video to get for parents to learn how to motivate their kids in the right direction, and for young people to give them hope and courage to excel in life.

GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY could be reviewed as a documentary or at least contemporary historical/nonfiction because of the content. A young boy grows up to be a surgeon. He becomes a gifted doctor at a high profile hospital dealing with the toughest of cases. He performs miracles, and much can be attributed to the encouragement and mothering he received while he was growing up. Mom never gives up on her sons.

GIFTED HANDS could also be reviewed as a story where the underprivileged and low achiever makes good. He builds within himself, with much reinforcement from his mother, an ambition and desire for learning. He accomplishes all that is within himself. He surpasses by light years what some expect from him being a fatherless, minority, wrong-neighborhood, disadvantaged sort of kid that is expected to become a burden on society, not a Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgery specialist. Boy makes good times ten.

IS IT A LOW KEY CHRISTIAN DRAMA? It could be considered that because this boy uses his personal faith, and seeks God's help in overcoming his childhood frustrations and anger. As a neurosurgeon, he continues to use his faith, even admitting to the parents of his patients that he prays daily. No Bible pounding, or heavy handed preaching. As a matter of fact, most of the staunch religious will say this movie is not revealing faith at all. I disagree. It is the faith of a young boy, which grows into a man's inner strength of knowing God as a helper, and in an assuming way, not flamboyant and boastful.

REALISM--HONEST IN THE TRENCHES LIVING is what this award worthy story is about. Ben Carson, even with his skills with a surgeons knife, also knows failure, struggle, and life sorrow that comes from a human inability to control every aspect of living. But he never stops trying, and he gets support from some teachers, mom, brother, wife, classmates, and many others along the way. But in the end, it is one man's choice to do his very best, make his life "shine and sparkle" just like his mother did to floors while scrubbing and cleaning for others.

This is one powerful, inspirational, biography of one life overcoming hardship and of becoming an overachiever. Dr Carson has a goodness within always striving to help others. You will be glad you watched, regardless of your own race, religion, or educational attainment.

School counselors take note: here's one for your office shelf to loan out.