ridiculous rating

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.

How can someone with so little do so much when so many with so much do so little? This man is an example of the greatness of the human spirit. He is a true inspiration. Everybody should see this. In a world full of terrible things, it is a shame that stories like this are buried in independent documentaries and not blasted out for everyone to see. The world needs to see more of stories like this and less of the junk we do see everyday. If you can watch this film and be un-moved, check for a pulse. The lessons learned in this film can be transfered to any country or any culture, including unselfishness, determination, guts, heart, motivation, love, and happiness to name a few. WATCH THIS FILD.

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.

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah shows us in this film what it means to confront fear, obstacles, and challenges, and overcome. This man, in spite of being born without one full leg, being abandoned by his father, and cast aside in a country where the disabled are shunned and ignored, decided on one course of action. And that was to become the best he could at whatever God put in front of him. He redefines what it means to be disabled and let things get in the way of becoming the person you want to be. Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have given us a lovely and inspiring portrait of a unique man. All of us so blessed with opportunities and unparalleled blessings would do well to watch, learn, and be humbled. The Free Wheelchair distribution scene Emmanuel organized for the people in his own home town is some of the most disturbing and touching video you can watch. Emmanuel long ago stopped thinking of himself. His heart is so outwardly focused that his example can only make us better people ourselves.

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.