Color, G (nothing offensive), 80 min., PPV 60 days, DVD $26.98, VHS rental
DVD: interviews, ESPN footage, tour footage
Street: Feb. 14, Prebook: Jan. 17
First Run; L, Oct. 2005, <$1 mil.
Directors: Lisa Lax, Nancy Stern
FIRST LOOK
With all the horror stories that regularly issue from sub-Saharan Africa, it's not only refreshing but positively inspirational to come across one like this. The subject is Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a native of disease-ridden Ghana, where fully 10% of the population is disabled in some way. Born with a severely deformed right leg, Yeboah determined to get an education and demonstrate that people with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society. Documentarians Lax and Stern follow this remarkable young athlete on a mission that begins with a bicycle ride across the countryside of Ghana—a not insignificant feat for someone with a prosthetic leg. Inspiring and uplifting people wherever he goes, Emmanuel shows himself to be a person of unparalleled strength, courage, stamina and generosity. He eventually comes to America, where his remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit win him more admirers. Simply and elegantly made, this lovingly crafted documentary narrated by Oprah Winfrey is one that every American should see. It teaches us powerful lessons not only about another culture, but about the enormity and power of the unchecked human spirit.