My Left Foot (1989)
- Starring:
- Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray McAnally, (more)
- Director(s):
- Jim Sheridan
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
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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, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 103 mins
Complete Cast:
- Daniel Day-Lewis - Christy Brown
- Brenda Fricker - Mrs. Brown
- Fiona Shaw - Dr. Eileen Cole
- Cyril Cusack - Lord Castlewelland
- Declan Croghan - Old Tom
- Tom Hickey - Priest
- Ger O'Leary - Mourner
- Charlie Roberts - Mourner
- Adrian Dunbar - Peter
- Martin Dunne - Waiter
- Patricia Higgins - Viola
- Conor Lambert - Punch and Judy Puppeteer
- Julie Hale - Rachel
- Margaret Lyons - Piano
- Milt Fleming - Mourner
- Eileen Kohlmann - Violin
- Daniel Reardon - Tony
- Keith O'Conor - Young Brian
- Lucy Vigne Welsh - Petra
- Phelim Drew - Brian
- Ray McAnally - Mr. Brown
- Ruth McCabe - Mary Carr
- Hugh O'Conor - Young Christy Brown
- Alison Whelan - Old Sheila
- Eileen Colgan - Nan
- Derry Power - Customer in Bar
- Britta Smith - Nurse
- Owen Sharp - Young Tom
- Marie Conmee - Sadie
- Sarah Cronin - Girl Friend
- Don King - Double Bass
- Patrick Laffan - Barman
- Ulick O'Connor - Critic
- Jacinta Whyte - Jenny
- Darren McHugh - Young Benny
- Kirsten Sheridan - Young Sharon
- Simon Kelly - Liam
- Hilery O'Donovan - Cello
- Eanna Mac Liam - Old Benny
- Jean Doyle - Woman with Pram
- Director(s):
- Jim Sheridan
- Writer(s):
- Jim Sheridan, Shane Connaughton
- Producer(s):
- Paul Heller, Steve Morrison, Arthur Lappin
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R(Questionable for Children, Adult Situations, Violence, Profanity, Watch With Your Teen)
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
- Subtitles:
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- 1989 - My Left Foot - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
- 1989 - My Left Foot - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Supporting Actor
- 1988 - My Left Foot - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
- 1988 - My Left Foot - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
- 1988 - My Left Foot - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actor
- 1989 - My Left Foot - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
- 1989 - My Left Foot - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
