In the past few weeks, the disabled community has called out “Me Before You” (directed by Thea Sharrock and adapted from the Jojo Moyes novel of the same name) for its problematic message and portrayal of disabled individuals.
The subject of disabled people and their stories has always been a problem for mainstream media. However, that doesn't mean they don't get close once in awhile.
If you can't bring yourself to support “Me Before You” — try checking out these titles instead. Disclaimer: this is not a blanket endorsement of these films as I have no grounds to do so.
1. "Adam" (2009)
A man with Asperger’s syndrome finds love with the new woman in his apartment building. Winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
2. "Children of a Lesser God" (1986)
Based on the Tony Award-winning play by Mark Medoff, a hearing teacher at a school for the deaf clashes with dead colleagues over ideologies about speech. Nominated for five Academy Awards with Markee Matil making a historic win for her performance as a deaf lead.
3. "Silver Linings Playbook" (2012)
A man with bipolar disorder must pick up the threads of his life after spending time in a mental institution. Nominated for eight Academy Awards with Jennifer Lawrence winning for her leading performance.
4. "I am Sam" (2001)
A man with a developmental disability wages a legal battle for the custody of his daughter. Nominated for an Academy Award because of Sean Penn’s leading performance.
5. "My Left Foot" (1989)
Based on the true story of Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy becomes a well-known artist and author. Nominated for three Academy Awards with Daniel Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker winning for their leading performances.
6. "The King’s Speech" (2010)
King George IV of England undergoes an unusual therapy to overcome a severe speech impediment. Winner of four Academy Awards.
7. "The Music Never Stopped" (2011)
A father used music to bond with his son, who suffers from a brain tumor which prevents him from making new memories.
8. "Wait Until Dark" (1967)
A blind woman is terrorized by criminals who forcibly search her apartment for hidden drugs. Audrey Hepburn was nominated for an Academy Award for her leading performance.
9. "My Name is Khan" (2010)
A man with Asperger’s syndrome is mistaken for a terrorist and goes on a journey through America to clear his name. Nominated for three International Indian Film Academy awards and won five more.
10. "The Three Faces of Eve" (1957)
A housewife is diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and grapples with the consequences. Joanne Woodward won an Academy Award for her leading performance.
11. "The Intouchables" (2011)
A quadriplegic man begins a close friendship with his caregiver, a young man from the projects. Nominated for 50 international film awards and nominated for nine Cesar Awards with Omar Sy winning ‘Best Actor’ for his leading performance.
