Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story parents guide

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Parent Guide

Gifted Hands is inspiring from start to finish, proving it isn't where you begin, but the direction you pursue, that determines where you end up.

Overall A

This made-for-TV movie dramatizes the real life and career of Dr. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon who, despite his humble beginnings, uses his Gifted Hands to bless the lives of children suffering from brain disorders.

Release date February 7, 2009

Violence B
Sexual Content A
Profanity B+
Substance Use A

Why is Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Not Rated

Run Time: 86 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Ben Carson (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is a neurosurgeon with Gifted Hands. Yet, the prospect of performing a challenging operation where he will attempt to separate a pair of twins who are attached at the head (which comes with a high risk of losing one of the babies), has him pondering the path that led him to this place in his life.

Who could have guessed a young black boy growing up in an impoverished neighborhood would one day be a world-class doctor? Not even his mother—although she deserves most of the credit for his achievement.

A single parent struggling with depression, Sonya Carson (Kimberly Elise) wants more for her family than she had for herself. So she pushes her two boys to read instead of watching TV and do homework instead of playing. She also insists they attend church regularly, whether or not she is well enough to go with them. Because she imagines a better world for her children, and perseveres against their complaints, both of her sons begin to succeed academically.

But Ben still faces another obstacle. Quick-tempered, the teen wants friends and is soon battling with peer pressure and an invitation to become involved with a rough crowd. When confronted by a concerned Mrs. Carson about his poor choices, an ugly argument erupts. Later, his hot head leads to a violent incident at school that nearly costs him all hopes for his future. (These depictions, which include physical scuffling and an attempted knifing, constitute the violent content in the film.)

Afraid of what he might become, Ben turns to God for help managing his anger. And thanks to the supportive love of his family and a beautiful fellow university student he meets at Yale (Aunjanue Ellis), the young man is able to chart a new course one that eventually leads to the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.

Now the talented doctor finds himself reflecting on a road that has been strewn with racial prejudice, personal and professional challenges, along with numerous blessings. As the responsibility of life and death decisions weigh on his mind, Ben searches to find the best treatment plan for the conjoined twins, as well as all the children placed in his care.

Based on the real life story of Dr. Ben Carson, this made-for-TV movie demonstrates the amazing results that can be achieved through hard work and vision. While the production includes portrayals of medical procedures and surgery, these scenes are not overly graphic (some blood is shown and verbal references are made to death). The script also contains a few mild profanities. Still, Gifted Hands is inspiring from start to finish, proving it isn’t where you begin, but the direction you pursue, that determines where you end up.

Directed by Thomas Carter. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, Aunjanue Ellis. Running time: 86 minutes. Theatrical release February 7, 2009. Updated

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Rating & Content Info

Why is Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story rated Not Rated? Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

As Gifted Hands unfolds the story of Ben Carson, surgical procedures are shown that include the depiction of blood and organs. Life threatening medical conditions are portrayed and discussed, along with death and a miscarriage/stillbirth. A mother suffers from depression. Abandonment and adultery are mentioned. African Americans experience racial prejudice. A domestic argument involves angry words, pushing and shoving. During an altercation at school a knife is pulled and a stabbing is attempted. A few mild profanities are used in the script. Characters emphasize the importance of attending church, praying and asking God for help.

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Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Parents' Guide

What is Ben’s mother willing to give for her children? Why do her boys not always appreciate what she is trying to do? How does time affect the way they see her efforts? In what ways is she rewarded for her sacrifices?

What things does Ben have to do for himself? Who does he turn to for support? How hard does he have to work?

Click here to learn more about the real Ben Carson and his life and career.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story movie is September 8, 2009. Here are some details…

Release Date: 8 September 2009

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story releases to DVD with two featurettes:

- Behind the Scenes of Gifted Hands

- Triumph and Inspiration: The Journey of Dr. Ben Carson

Related home video titles:

Medical advancements and racial prejudice are also themes in Something the Lord Made. After a crippling accident, another determined family helps their daughter achieve amazing academic accomplishments in The Brooke Ellingson Story. Both of these made-for-TV movies are based on true stories.

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