My Left Foot (1989)

100% of critics liked it
(33 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(23,032 ratings)

An alternative to the general run of "triumph over the odds" biopics, My Left Foot is the true story of Irish cerebral palsy victim Christy Brown. Paralyzed from birth, Brown (played by Hugh O'Conor as child and Daniel Day-Lewis as an adult) is written off as retarded and helpless. But Christy's… More An alternative to the general run of "triumph over the odds" biopics, My Left Foot is the true story of Irish cerebral palsy victim Christy Brown. Paralyzed from birth, Brown (played by Hugh O'Conor as child and Daniel Day-Lewis as an adult) is written off as retarded and helpless. But Christy's indomitable mother (Brenda Fricker) never gives up on the boy. Using his left foot, the only part of his body not afflicted, Brown learns to write. He grows up to become a well-known author, painter, and fundraiser, and along the way falls in love with nurse Mary Carr (Ruth McCabe). There's no sugarcoating in My Left Foot: Brown, a heavy drinker, was by no means lovable. Day-Lewis and Fricker both won Academy Awards for their performances, and the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also notable are the late Ray McAnally in his next-to-last film role as Christy's father, and venerable Cyril Cusack as Lord Castlewelland. Director Jim Sheridan co-scripted with Shane Connaughton from Christy Brown's autobiography. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Jim Sheridan
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Sep 13, 1989 Wide
On DVD: Aug 16, 2005
Studio: HBO Video

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
All performances are on the mark in this perfect little film.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
For all his character's travails the film as a whole winds up surprisingly upbeat.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
An intelligent, beautifully acted adaptation of Christy Brown's first book.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
My Left Foot is a great film for many reasons, but the most important is that it gives us such a complete picture of this man's life.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Not only does Day-Lewis master the physical aspects of the role, the minute-to-minute struggle of almost complete paralysis, he lives the painful genesis of an artistic character.
Hal Hinson, Washington Post
Jim Sheridan's My Left Foot must be the most passionately empathetic film about a physical affliction ever made.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
A fairly generic biopic with an amazing turn by Daniel Day-Lewis.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Deviating from the standard Hollywood biopic, Sheridan's chronicle told with candor, realism, and humor the story of paraplegic writer-artist Christy Brown, embodied in a tour-de-force Oscar-winning performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.
Angie Errigo, Empire Magazine
[The film] leaves one with an overwhelming sense of the miraculousness of life and of this man's spirit.
, Film4
Even if all My Left Foot had to offer was Day-Lewis's performance, it'd be a must-see movie.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Nothing can detract from the power of this film, especially Daniel Day-Lewis' astonishing performance as Christy Brown.
, Time Out
Day Lewis' re-creation of writer/painter Christy Brown's condition is so precise, so detailed and so matter-of-fact that it transcends the carping about casting an actor without cerebral palsy.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Daniel Day-Lewis gives a startling, dazzling performance.
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com
If you haven't seen the film, it's worth at least a rental, since Day-Lewis' performance is positively amazing.
Tony Whitt, Now Playing Magazine
Avoid[s] investing the truly inspirational moments in Christy Brown's development with the sort of treacly sentiment that... Hollywood considers 'inspirational.'
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Much of the pricelessness of My Left Foot comes from Daniel Day-Lewis's spot-on portrayal of Brown, the first acting job that made critics and awards voters really take notice of him.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A rich cinematic experience, this uplifting British production will leave you in awe of the extraordinary Christy Brown.
Diana Saenger, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
This wonderful film, perfect in setting the scene of the era and locale, could not be a better story of hope and inspiration.
Diana Saenger, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
This wonderful film, perfect in setting the scene of the era and locale, could not be a better story of hope and inspiration.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Not included in the round-up of critic reviews is the four-star notice by Roger Ebert, who thought about writing his piece with his left foot.

Read all 21 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

shahmeer h

My Left Foot is an inspiring, well made drama about a man with cerebral palsy and the only limb in his body which he can fully control is his left foot. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards and winning 2 of them, My Left Foot was a huge win for critics and audiences alike. With stupendous… More
My Left Foot is an inspiring, well made drama about a man with cerebral palsy and the only limb in his body which he can fully control is his left foot. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards and winning 2 of them, My Left Foot was a huge win for critics and audiences alike. With stupendous acting from Daniel-Day Lewis and a breakthrough performance from Brenda Fricker, My Left Foot not only proved to be an excellent film, but an emotionally captivating drama about believing in yourself and never giving up. The acting within this movie was amazing. Daniel-Day Lewis won his first Oscar from his performance in this film, and would win one more 17 years later. His ability to move and act like a man with cerebral palsy was amazing, and in one intense scene at a restaurant in which he acted just like a child stole the show. He proved to be one of the best actors out there, as many you RT goers have said in blogs, but I have only seen one other film of his (Gangs of New York), and that performance blew me away. So I was completely surprised when I saw this film and this performance, for it topped Gangs of New York, and he became one of the best actors of all time in my mind. Brenda Fricker did an excellent job as well, showing how loyal the character of a mother is, and how emotionally touching they can be. And although she hasn't made any other great acting gigs within her life, she is still a one of a kind actor with a real tendency to make great performances. I also thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Shaw's performance, as she did amazing job acting within the restaurant scene, which I adored. The story itself is very strange. The opening scene might make one turn away from this film (for I almost did), because it's a bit disgusting staring at a man's foot for three whole minutes. But as you give this film time, and as the story goes on, you get very engrossed in the film. If this film was made in present time, with well done cinematography and editing, then this film would've been a masterpiece. The character development is phenomenal. I loved the growth and the attachment you have toward the characters within the film. It follows this man's life, and it shows how much he changes and how much mature he gets, and it's really a nice aspect to the film. But that brings me to the point of my favorite, most dramatic scene in the film; the restaurant scene. At one point in the film, the attitude of the film shoots up from a happy, every-things-going-well scenario, to a sad, angry kind of moment. Now, I don't want to ruin the scene for you, but it's the scene in which Daniel's acting is the best, the story is the best, and the overall change in character development is the best. I loved the scene, and I hope everyone who reads this does, too. In the end, this film is a very well done movie, but would've been much better if made in present time. I found the last scene in the film to have been my least favorite part, though. Now, I know many of you might disagree with this, but I think this last part was a bit to rushed. It also seemed a little cheesy, for after everything that happened in his life, all of a sudden, everything seems alright. I didn't like it much, but feel happy to disagree, for I would like to read your comments on this scene. All in all, My Left Foot deserved its spot on the nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but I really couldn't see it having a win for Best Picture. With an inspiring story, well acting cast, but alright cinematrapghy and editing, I give My Left Foot a 75%. Thanks for reading! If you still don't understand why I gave this film a 75%, please visit this blog below: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/user/935623/blogs/?id=703501
Jameson W

A great, touching film about a man who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. See this fo the Oscar winning performances by Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker!
AJ V

A very Irish movie, I couldn't tell what they were saying in some scenes. The story is interesting for a while, but I got it about half way through, and wasn't interested anymore, so it was boring for me. If you really like serious dramas, you'll like it better than I… More
A very Irish movie, I couldn't tell what they were saying in some scenes. The story is interesting for a while, but I got it about half way through, and wasn't interested anymore, so it was boring for me. If you really like serious dramas, you'll like it better than I did.
Jennifer D

I had never heard of this in any film class or anything but Netflix seems to have figured out my love of Daniel Day-Lewis and recommended it. Holy hell. 20 minutes in and I was so astounded by the acting, if I was on the Oscar committee I would have given Day-Lewis and O'Conor… More
I had never heard of this in any film class or anything but Netflix seems to have figured out my love of Daniel Day-Lewis and recommended it. Holy hell. 20 minutes in and I was so astounded by the acting, if I was on the Oscar committee I would have given Day-Lewis and O'Conor awards retroactively. The filming was a bit hokey, but the acting was so superb that I'm giving it 5 stars regardless. It's not even the kind of story I normally enjoy watching, but any Daniel Day-Lewis film carries that much weight.
Spencer S

Wonderfully acted, surprising, and very emotionally charged.
Dan S

A triumphant story about an incredible man who wouldn't let his broken outer shell cripple his creative mind and his courageous spirit. Daniel Day-Lewis, who I consider to be in a league of his own, gives one of the best performances caught on-screen, ranking with Edward… More
A triumphant story about an incredible man who wouldn't let his broken outer shell cripple his creative mind and his courageous spirit. Daniel Day-Lewis, who I consider to be in a league of his own, gives one of the best performances caught on-screen, ranking with Edward Norton's performance in "American History X" and Marlon Brando's in "The Godfather". It's plotted well, with his story being shown mostly in flashbacks, and a few scenes will bring you close to tears. Imperfect only due to one out-of-place silly scene, but undoubtedly a movie that everyone should see.
Anthony L

Great film, definitely Daniel Day-Lewis?s best to date & Brenda Fricker is also fantastic! Brilliant, touching and a true story!
First L

The magnificient Daniel Day Lewis won an oscar for his portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irish painter/writer born with cerebral palsy. This, however isn't a melodramatic tragedy and there's no pity to be found in the film-making. Only two or three scenes in the movie get… More
The magnificient Daniel Day Lewis won an oscar for his portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irish painter/writer born with cerebral palsy. This, however isn't a melodramatic tragedy and there's no pity to be found in the film-making. Only two or three scenes in the movie get overwhelmed by the innate sadness in Christy's existence, the rest of the film is devoted to the joys and pains of living in an enormous Irish family. There are so many kids in this family, only a few of them get to sit at the dinner table at dinner time, the rest have to sit in the other rooms. They sleep four to a bed, and at times it seems the only space not being taken is the ceiling. The first years of Christy's life were the hardest, when he was mistakenly treated as mentally retarded, you can see the pain in his eyes of being locked into this body, unable to communicate with anyone. The neighbor women call him a dummy and a dunce to his face, and try to teach him the alphabet with baby books. Only by learning to control his left foot (the only body part not wracked with debilitation), does he finally convince the world he has a fully functioning mind within the crippled body. It's mighty heavy stuff. The older Christy is a more complex character, going through all the angst of teenagehood, and then developing an artistic vision that takes him into his own gallery exhibitions. He writes his autobiography, but his own life seems to take a backseat to that of his family, especially his mother. They never treat him as a burden and they never show him anything but love, and this movie is like a love letter to his mother.
Tim S

To say that Daniel Day Lewis gives a jaw dropping performance would be an understatement. I actually got sqirmy thinking about how he had to put that record on, write, move around, all by his left foot. Hugh O'Conor is just as good as the younger Christy. It made me feel… More
To say that Daniel Day Lewis gives a jaw dropping performance would be an understatement. I actually got sqirmy thinking about how he had to put that record on, write, move around, all by his left foot. Hugh O'Conor is just as good as the younger Christy. It made me feel extremely lazy as well. This guy has done more with his left foot than I have ever done. Also, loved the relationship of Christy and his father. Really great stuff.
Lady D

A phonominal true story brought to life by the fantastic performances of Daniel Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker. This Jim Sherridan film really grasps the poverty of the era which really gives you a sense of a working class family during this time. Also captured well was the Mother… More
A phonominal true story brought to life by the fantastic performances of Daniel Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker. This Jim Sherridan film really grasps the poverty of the era which really gives you a sense of a working class family during this time. Also captured well was the Mother and son relationship and the strength of a family that stands together. Powerful, emotional and brilliant.
Fernando Rafael Q

Didn't like the look or style of the film. Worth watching for Daniel Day-Lewis' ASTONISHING performance and Brenda Fricker's tender turn as the mom. Funny, sad, heartbreaking, heartwarming.
Elvira B

Although the filmmaking itself is nothing spectacular, Christy Brown's story is well developed, and every event portrayed is key in his character development. Daniel Day Lewis's uncanny performance is more than enough reason to watch it. It's hard to notice anything… More
Although the filmmaking itself is nothing spectacular, Christy Brown's story is well developed, and every event portrayed is key in his character development. Daniel Day Lewis's uncanny performance is more than enough reason to watch it. It's hard to notice anything else when he's onscreen. Just wonderful.
Alice S

DDL and Hugh O'Conor are simply fantastic as old and young Christy Brown. I love how there wasn't any sibling rivalry. In every other situation, one of the siblings would start resenting his "retarded brother" and play a mean trick on him, but NOT IN THIS HOUSE… More
DDL and Hugh O'Conor are simply fantastic as old and young Christy Brown. I love how there wasn't any sibling rivalry. In every other situation, one of the siblings would start resenting his "retarded brother" and play a mean trick on him, but NOT IN THIS HOUSE MOTHERF**KER! There is just so much overwhelming support all around that it even melted the ice in the cockles of this cynic's brittle heart. I do wish there was more payoff for Christy and Mary's relationship at the benefit. How cool would it've been to see a 30 second long tracking shot of DDL stalwartly rolling up the aisle in his wheechair, a rose between his toes for Mary?
Sarah G

Director:Jim Sheridan Released:1989 Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Brenda Fricker Genre: Drama, Biography Country: Ireland/UK <a… More
Director:Jim Sheridan Released:1989 Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Brenda Fricker Genre: Drama, Biography Country: Ireland/UK <a href="http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q202/sarah88_uk/?action=view¤t=_120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q202/sarah88_uk/_120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Christy Brown is a spastic quadriplegic born to a large, poor Irish family. His mother, Mrs Brown, recognizes the intelligence and humanity in the lad everyone else regards as a vegetable. Eventually, Christy matures into a cantankerous writer who uses his only functional limb, his left foot, to write with. Well, I think this may be the start of a Daniel Day Lewis season for me after watching There Will Be Blood a few months ago. Seriously though, after watching this he may be in my top 5 favourite actors list. Just a superb performance, clearly methos acting at it's finest. Just need to pick another Day Lewis film to watch next. My Left Foot is a touching and inspirational film about the life of Christy Brown and nominated for five academy awards and won two-which was rightly so. I think the problem that I had with it is that it has unfortunatly dated and date a lot. I also have seen a lot of senimental type films made here in the UK, over the years, it's not that different. There where serveral scenes which seemed to skip rather quickly to the next scene, which leaves the viewer having no concept of time within the film. The opening section of the film is weak and did make me loose interest for a small period of time. However the performance of Brenda Fricker( who I can't help but remember her iN casualty all those years ago), did keep me watching. rightly so she won Best Actress at the Oscars at the time. A Performance, which matches Day Lewis for me. Both equally brilliant. Besides what I said in the first part of the review, I did enjoy My left Foot, just not like I thought I would. The Strength of the film lies with the performances and the writing. The writing, of course from the words of the real Christy Brown as well as writers; Shane Connaughton and Jim Sheridan, is superb for me. Each section of dialogue is relevent, quick and smart and doesn't leave you feeling a little disappointed. Every segement i slaos richly detailed, which keeps you attentive. As I said before Day Lewis is remarkable, I have no idea how an actor can absorb himself into such a role as this. Also producing one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen. Made me convinces that I was watching Christy Brown, rather than Day-Lewis as Christy Brown, which is key to a great performance. Worth mentioning Hugh O-Connor, ad young Christy and Ray McAnnaly, as the Father who also delievered some fine performances. also worth mentioning elmer Bernstein's brilliant score, which captures the essense of the film very well indeed. One aswell, which is still in my head at this very moment. My Left Foot is definatly worth watching for the performances of Daniel day Lewis and Brenda Fricker. I do recomend this to anyone wanting to see one of Daniel Day Lewis' earlier performances.
Pierluigi P

A tender portrait of Christy Brown, wonderfully played by Daniel Day-Lewis, a man whose life was as sad and touching as exciting and funny, full of vicissitudes. great debut for Jim Sheridan.
Lanning :

A tour de force acting job by Daniel Day Lewis. but an even more emotionally compelling performance by Brenda Fricker as the mother who would do anything for her child. I can certainly understand why Lewis was the popular choice for an Oscar in 1989 in this true life underdog story… More
A tour de force acting job by Daniel Day Lewis. but an even more emotionally compelling performance by Brenda Fricker as the mother who would do anything for her child. I can certainly understand why Lewis was the popular choice for an Oscar in 1989 in this true life underdog story of triumph over adversity. By the way, flixsters, If you haven't seen Kate Winslet's performance on the British TV comedy called Extras, I highly recommend it. My Left Foot gets an interesting mention by her in that great episode.
Dean M

Amazing courage and remarkable true-life story. Daniel Day-Lewis does an excellent performance as Irish writer Christy Brown to be able to control his left foot.
Bradley W

My Left Foot is one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema and Daniel Day-Lewis plays one of the greatest performances that cinema has ever seen. Its incredible for so many reasons that I cannot explain, one reason being that it gives us a image of this mans life and… More
My Left Foot is one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema and Daniel Day-Lewis plays one of the greatest performances that cinema has ever seen. Its incredible for so many reasons that I cannot explain, one reason being that it gives us a image of this mans life and our pity towards him feeds the urge to watch more and see his story unfold. He is in no way a lovable man or a kind man, but he was a genius man who had to do everything with the only help being his left foot. Christy Brown was a real man, and after seeing this movie I finally realize not only how incredible and beautiful this film really is, but how great an actor Daniel Day-Lewis really is. Lewis does not play Christy Brown, he embodies his mind and soul such as I have seen in films such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Capote and Jamie Foxx in Ray, that is when a true actor is really perfect when he is able to lose himself in a role. Two other incredible performances came from Brenda Fricker and Ray McNally who played Christy's parents with perfection and they led the story of his childhood and teenaged years incredibly well. This movie focuses on two things, Christy's life and these incredible performances, I have almost never been so enthralled into a story in all my life but just the sight of Daniel Day-Lewis and his situations as a cripple were just too interesting for me not to watch. Usually I a waiting for a movie to end whether its good or bad, but that was not the case with this film, i just wanted his story to go on forever becase I just fell in love with the idea of a human living his life with nothing but the movement of his foot every day which he was able to use to become an incredible artist. My Left Foot is not a movie, its a mans life wrapped into about two hours of pure and true film. If you asked me if I ever saw My left foot, I would tell you "saw it? I loved it!"
Sam E

Daniel Day's performance so so unbelievable it's hard to think it's actually acting. The movie is moving and interesting at the same time, and the story of Christy Brown is an incredible one that deserved to be adapted into a movie.
Joey N

Not as great as I was hopeing, but it's an inspiring story nonetheless about a man whose only functioning body part is his left foot.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown

            Ray McAnally as Mr. Brown

            Brenda Fricker as Mrs. Brown

            Ruth McCabe as Mary Carr

            Fiona Shaw as Dr. Eileen Cole

            Hugh O'Conor as Young Christy Brown

            Cyril Cusack as Lord Castlewelland

            Alison Whelan as Old Sheila

            Declan Croghan as Old Tom

            Eileen Colgan as Nan

            Marie Conmee as Sadie

            Sarah Cronin as Girl Friend

            Phelim Drew as Brian

            Martin Dunne as Waiter

            Tom Hickey as Priest

            Patrick Laffan as Barman

            Eanna Mac Liam as Old Benny

            Darren McHugh as Young Benny

            Keith O'Conor as Young Brian

            Ger O'Leary as Mourner

            Derry Power as Customer in Bar

            Owen Sharp as Young Tom

            Britta Smith as Nurse

            Adrian Dunbar as Peter

            Jean Doyle as Woman with Pram

            Milt Fleming as Mourner

            Julie Hale as Rachel

            Patricia Higgins as Viola

            Simon Kelly as Liam

            Eileen Kohlmann as Violin

            Conor Lambert as Punch and Judy Puppeteer

            Margaret Lyons as Piano

            Ulick O'Connor as Critic

            Hilery O'Donovan as Cello

            Daniel Reardon as Tony

            Charlie Roberts as Mourner

            Kirsten Sheridan as Young Sharon

            Lucy Vigne Welsh as Petra

            Jacinta Whyte as Jenny

            Don King as Double Bass
See full cast