7/10
Strong and moving film
8 April 2023
This film remains a captivating and moving experience to this day. Despite its lack of subtlety, the film manages to be a compelling story thanks to its stellar performances, strong themes, and emotional impact.

Directed by Guy Green, the film tells the story of a young blind woman named Selina (played by Elizabeth Hartman) who lives in a slum tenement with her abusive and uneducated mother (Shelley Winters in an Oscar winning performance). One day, Selina meets Gordon (played by Sidney Poitier), a kind-hearted black man who teaches her about the world and helps her to break free from the constraints of her oppressive home life.

While the film's themes of racism and prejudice are not exactly subtle, the powerful performances from the cast more than make up for any lack of nuance. Poitier, in particular, is a standout force in the film, imbuing Gordon with an easy charm and quiet strength that makes him an instantly likable character.

Likewise, Hartman delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Selina, conveying both the pain and the joy of her character's journey with a depth and authenticity that is truly compelling. The themes of the film, particularly those regarding love and acceptance, are portrayed in a way that is both sincere and powerful, making A Patch of Blue a truly moving experience.

Overall, A Patch of Blue may not be the most subtle or nuanced film, but it is a compelling and emotionally effective one. The performances are excellent, and the themes are portrayed with a sincerity and depth that is hard to ignore. For those looking for a moving and thought-provoking drama, A Patch of Blue is definitely worth watching.
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