Emmanuel's Gift - movie reviews and information

'Emmanuel's Gift': An inspiring story, but cheerleading film
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

The well-meaning documentary "Emmanuel's Gift" is as inspirational as any of those ubiquitous Olympics profiles that show the athletes' struggles in between the pole vaults and the high diving. No wonder. The movie was made by identical twin sisters, Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern, the same team behind many of those little Olympic bits of Hallmark Card harmony. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Born into abject poverty in Ghana, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah came into the world with a severely shriveled, unusable right leg. But he became a symbol of hope, comfort and pride for roughly 2 million West Africans with disabilities when he cycled across Ghana.

FILM FACTS ...

First Look Pictures

'Emmanuel's Gift'

Directors: Lisa Lax, Nancy Stern
Starring: Oprah Winfrey, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Run time: 80 minutes
Release date: Oct. 21, 2005
Rating: G

On the web
Official movie site

READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B-
"A powerful, uplifting story diminished by well-intentioned, but too worshipful filmmaking."

Read the full review

The Palm Beach Post: A-
"Their shots of Ghana's landscapes and sunsets are stunning, as is Jeff Beal's jazz-tinged music score, but they had us won over with Emmanuel's struggle and achievement."