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.

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.

Usually movies about Africa (especially documentaries) tell a story with some combination of despair, misogyny, genocide, racism, hatred and/or violence. This tells us about the culture of abandonment and marginalization extended to physically handicapped people in the West African country of Ghana.We follow Emmanuel's story of determination in the face of long odds to become a full citizen, working to support his family rather than being a burden. It's certainly uplifting and surprising in that it relates his success at becoming not only a successful man, but also a humanitarian and politically astute spokesperson for the handicapped population.A fairly slick presentation, the film moves along well with Oprah Winfrey's narration and various clips showing his journey. It's a good film to take a family to for its social awareness potential and a nice deliberately-told story.

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.