Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, 2009, TV-14, 1 hr 30 min

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Age Rating: TV-14

Runtime: 90 minutes

Studio: The Hatchery / Sony Pictures Television / TNT

A struggling inner-city student overcomes poverty, prejudice, and personal anger through faith, discipline, education, and perseverance to become one of the world's most respected neurosurgeons.

Ratings:

My Rating: 7.7/10

The Dove Foundation: Family-Recommended / Inspirational

IMDb: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 85% Audience Score 

Metacritic: N/A

TMDb: 7.7/10 (approx.)

Plot Summary:

Based on the autobiography of Ben Carson, the film follows Carson's journey from a troubled childhood in Detroit to becoming a pioneering neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Raised by his single mother Sonya Carson, Ben struggles academically and emotionally. Despite having little formal education herself, Sonya insists that Ben and his brother read books, limit television, and pursue excellence. Through hard work and determination, Ben transforms from one of the weakest students in his class into an honor student, eventually earning admission to Yale University and later medical school.

The film also explores Ben's battle with a violent temper, his Christian faith, his marriage to Candy Carson, and his groundbreaking medical career. The story culminates in the historic 1987 surgery in Germany where Carson successfully leads the separation of twins joined at the back of the head, a procedure many considered impossible.

Critics Review:

The film received generally positive reviews for its inspirational message, strong performances, and uplifting true story. Critics particularly praised Cuba Gooding Jr.'s portrayal of Ben Carson and Kimberly Elise's performance as Sonya Carson. Many reviewers highlighted the film's emphasis on personal responsibility, perseverance, education, and family support. 

Some critics felt the film occasionally becomes sentimental and follows a straightforward made-for-television formula. Others noted that the pacing can feel slow in places and that certain aspects of Carson's life are simplified. Nevertheless, even many mixed reviews acknowledged the power of the real-life story and the positive example it presents. 

Christian Perspective:

This is one of the strongest faith-friendly biographical films available for Christian audiences.

The movie repeatedly emphasizes prayer, faith in God, forgiveness, self-discipline, personal responsibility, humility, and service to others. Ben Carson's Seventh-day Adventist Christian faith is portrayed as a major influence in his life. One of the film's most significant moments occurs when Ben, horrified by his own uncontrolled anger, prays for God's help and begins a lifelong transformation in his character.

The story reinforces several biblical principles:

The value of wisdom and education (Proverbs 4:7)

Perseverance through adversity (Galatians 6:9)

Honoring parents and their sacrifices (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Self-control over anger (James 1:19-20)

Using God-given talents to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)

While the film is not overtly evangelistic, it presents Christianity as a positive force that helps shape moral character and purpose. Ben Carson serves as a strong role model through his dedication, humility, and desire to help others.

Family Friendliness:

Not recommended for young children due to TV-14 rating, but generally suitable for mature families and teenagers.

Content concerns are relatively mild. The film includes:

Medical procedures and surgery scenes

Discussions of miscarriage

Bullying and racial prejudice

Moments of anger and violence

Some emotionally intense situations involving medical emergencies

There is very little objectionable language, no sexual content of significance, and no graphic violence. Most Christian families with children ages 10-12 and older should find the film appropriate, especially when watched together and discussed afterward.