The “Gifted Hands” movie, starring Cuba Gooding Jr., vividly portrays the remarkable life journey of Dr. Ben Carson. This biographical drama opens by introducing us to a young Ben, an African-American boy navigating the challenges of childhood alongside his brother Curtis and their single mother. Initially, Ben struggles academically and faces ridicule from his peers, setting the stage for an inspiring tale of transformation.
His mother emerges as the central figure of encouragement. She persistently urges her sons to prioritize their education and minimize distractions like television. A woman of unwavering faith and resolute work ethic, she instills in her children the importance of reading and intellectual curiosity. In a pivotal moment, Ben’s difficulty reading cabinet labels reveals his vision impairment and the need for glasses, a turning point prompted by his mother’s keen observation.
The narrative subtly unveils the mother’s own secret struggle with illiteracy, masked from her children. This revelation, coupled with other pressures, leads to her seeking professional help for depression, adding depth to the portrayal of her sacrifices and resilience.
“Gifted Hands” poignantly illustrates the hardships faced by a Black single mother raising two sons in challenging circumstances. It brings to light the prejudice and discouragement Ben encounters, both for his intelligence and his race. Despite grappling with self-doubt, his mother’s unwavering belief in him acts as a constant source of strength, propelling him towards his extraordinary future as a distinguished neurosurgeon.
Prepare to be moved by this compelling story. The performances of Cuba Gooding Jr. as Ben Carson and the entire cast, particularly portraying Ben’s mother, are genuinely captivating. “Gifted Hands” is a truly wonderful and uplifting movie, readily accessible on YouTube with English audio and subtitles for a global audience to appreciate its powerful message. You can watch it here: Gifted Hands.
