Disabled Characters In Movies

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
Rated PG-13

Forrest Gump is a 1994 feature film based on the novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film follows the life of Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a dim-witted but good-hearted and athletically-gifted man, who, despite his limitations, experiences great success in life. Through a series of flashbacks and narrative exposition, the audience follows Forrest on his journey through life, as he meets a variety of people, experiences monumental events, and ultimately finds true love. Along the way, Forrest is unknowingly instrumental in the shaping of major historical events, from the Vietnam War to the Watergate scandal. Through it all, Forrest remains blissfully unaware of the impact he has on the world around him, and remains humble and loving, always striving to do what he believes is right. The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window (1954) is a classic suspense-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars James Stewart as a wheelchair-bound photographer who, while stuck in his apartment due to a broken leg, begins to suspect that his neighbor has committed a murder. As he begins to investigate, he discovers that the situation he finds himself in is much more complicated and dangerous than he ever imagined. With the help of his girlfriend (Grace Kelly) and his nurse (Thelma Ritter), Stewart must use his photography skills and creativity to solve the mystery and keep himself out of harm's way.

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. It stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. The film is inspired by the life of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his relationships with his caretaker Abdel Sellou. The story follows Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, who hires Driss, an ex-convict from the projects, to be his caretaker. Despite their differences, the two men develop a close bond, and Driss helps Philippe to regain his strength and enjoy life again. The film is a heartwarming comedy with a message of acceptance and understanding, as it highlights the importance of overcoming differences in order to foster true friendship and find joy in life.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is an Academy Award-winning 2004 drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) is a determined and passionate boxer from the wrong side of the tracks. She wants to fight her way out of her small town, and her only chance is the help of seasoned boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood). Initially suspicious of Maggie's motivations, Frankie eventually takes her under his wing. With the help of Eddie Dupris (Morgan Freeman), a trainer with a tragic past, Frankie helps Maggie realize her potential. As she rises to the top, Maggie, Frankie and Eddie form an unlikely family. However, when a devastating fight nearly takes Maggie's life, they all learn that sometimes the most important victories come outside the ring.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is an action-packed post-apocalyptic adventure from director George Miller. Set in a desolate and dangerous world, the story follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) as he teams up with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) and a band of female rebels in a thrilling chase to escape the tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and save their world. With breathtaking stunts, intense action sequences, and a visually stunning landscape, Fury Road is a non-stop thrill ride that showcases the power of the human spirit in the face of impossible odds.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a biographical drama film directed by Julian Schnabel that tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, an editor of Elle magazine who suffers a stroke at the age of 43 that leaves him almost completely paralyzed. His condition is known as locked-in syndrome and he is able to communicate only by blinking his left eye. The film follows Bauby's journey to regain his sense of self-identity and independence even while living in a state of physical captivity. Despite his physical limitations, Bauby is determined to live life to the fullest and ultimately finds a way to express his thoughts and memories through writing a book about his experience. The movie is a powerful tale of courage, hope and the strength of the human spirit.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a biographical drama film based on the autobiography of Christy Brown, who suffered from cerebral palsy and could only control his left foot. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy and tells the story of his struggles to overcome the obstacles of his condition. Despite being told he was mentally disabled, Christy discovers he has a talent for painting and writing, eventually becoming a famous and respected artist and author. The film follows Christy's entire life and his relationships with those closest to him, and his determination to prove that he is more than his physical limitations.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a science fiction film about a future in which genetic engineering has become the norm. In this world, those with the best genes are given preferential treatment, while those with disabilities or genetic "defects" are treated as second class citizens. Vincent Freeman is born with a heart defect, and is expected to lead a life of mediocrity. However, he dreams of becoming an astronaut, so he takes on the identity of a genetically-engineered individual, and embarks on a dangerous quest to achieve his dream. Along the way, he learns the importance of friendship and love, as well as the consequences of genetic discrimination.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar is a 2009 sci-fi action epic directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The story is set in the mid-22nd century when humans are colonizing Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, in order to mine the mineral unobtanium. A paraplegic Marine, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), replaces his deceased twin brother as an avatar driver on Pandora to conduct mining operations. He soon discovers a lush, diverse world of the Na'vi, Pandora's indigenous humanoid species. As Jake learns to navigate his new life, he is drawn into a battle to save the Na'vi and Pandora from the rapacious mining practices of the human colonists. Through his bond with the indigenous species, Jake finds a new purpose in life, transcending his human limitations. Avatar is a groundbreaking film that earned critical acclaim and awards, including three Academy Awards, for its stunning visual effects and poignant environmental story.

From Damien O'Donnell, starring James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, Alan King
Rated R

Rory O'Shea Was Here is a 2004 Irish-British drama film directed by Damien O'Donnell. It follows the story of Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy), a young man with cerebral palsy, living in a group home in Dublin, Ireland. After being challenged by his new roommate, Michael Connolly (Steven Robertson), Rory decides to break out of his monotonous and regimented life. The two embark on a journey of self-discovery, joy, and friendship as they explore the city and break the boundaries of societal norms. With the help of their social worker, Siobhan (Romola Garai), they learn what it means to be truly independent and discover the power of friendship and the joy of living life to the fullest.

From Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro, starring Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan, Robert Soares
Rated R

Murderball (2005) is a documentary film directed by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro. It follows the lives of quadriplegic athletes, or "quad rugby" players, as they compete in the Paralympic Games. The film focuses on Mark Zupan, a quadriplegic who became a member of the United States Quad Rugby Team, and the rivalry between the US and Canadian teams. It also explores the personal lives, relationships, and struggles of the athletes, and how they cope with the physical and emotional challenges of their disability. The film is an inspiring story of determination, resilience, and the human spirit.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biographical drama film directed by James Marsh and based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Hawking, the former wife of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. The film follows the story of Stephen and Jane's relationship, beginning with their courtship at Cambridge University in the 1960s and continuing through Hawking's diagnosis with ALS, a debilitating motor neuron disease, and his subsequent rise to fame in the world of science. Along the way, the couple's marriage is tested as Stephen's condition progresses and Jane struggles to deal with the pressures of caring for a severely disabled husband. Through their struggles and triumphs, Jane and Stephen's love for each other and for science shines through. The film is ultimately a story of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

From John Krasinski, starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe
Rated PG-13

A Quiet Place is a 2018 American horror film directed by John Krasinski, who stars alongside Emily Blunt. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a family is forced to live in silence while hiding from monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing. The film follows the members of the Abbott family as they struggle to survive in a world where any sound can bring instant death. The family has adapted their lifestyle to a silent existence, using sign language and making use of a variety of tools and objects to help them move about without making a sound. They must find a way to protect themselves from the monsters while also trying to find out the source of the creatures and how to stop them.

From Jacques Audiard, starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure, Céline Sallette
Rated R

From Thea Sharrock, starring Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance
Rated PG-13

From Bryan Singer, starring Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen
Rated PG-13

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Liberto Rabal, Francesca Neri, Javier Bardem, Ángela Molina
Rated R

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Wright, Spencer Treat Clark
Rated PG-13

From Hal Ashby, starring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford
Rated R

From Rob Burnett, starring Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez, Alex Huff
Rated TV-MA

From Ben Lewin, starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy, Moon Bloodgood
Rated R

From Oliver Stone, starring Tom Cruise, Bryan Larkin, Raymond J. Barry, Caroline Kava
Rated R

From Roger Michell, starring Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Richard McCabe, Rhys Ifans
Rated PG-13

From Roman Polanski, starring Hugh Grant, Kristin Scott Thomas, Emmanuelle Seigner, Peter Coyote
Rated R

From Mike Newell, starring Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, James Fleet, Simon Callow
Rated R