A Peek Into a Brilliant Mind : Review of A Brilliant Young Mind

The movie "A Brilliant Young Mind" is about a young man named Nathan Ellis who is exceptionally gifted and has a genius level mind, yet who struggles to relate to everyone in his life.  Nathan may even be diagnosed autistic, and this movie sets out to show from his perspective and those in his life how it feels to be so smart that those around you don't know quite how to act.  

First let me state : don't watch this movie for action.  It is a thinking person's drama that many would consider slow.  Yet, I wouldn't call it boring and it had enough humor and interest in the plot that I finished it without wondering if I'd make it through.  I read that one reviewer compared this movie to "Rocky" as far as redemption and a great journey.  I wouldn't go that far myself.  It was a fascinating journey watching Nathan and his mom, teachers, and classmates all struggle to relate, but I wouldn't consider this movie as emotionally connecting as the movie "Rocky" managed to be.  Here are my take-aways:

1. Touching portrayal of how a teacher and a mother struggle to relate to a boy genius. 

Nathan was so smart, those he loved the most found it frustrating to work with him. However, this movie does offer hope as the characters work through some of the challenges and learn to love each other in spite of the challenges.

2. Interesting subplot of how a teacher deals with his failing health

One of Nathan's teachers in this movies is dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.  He seems down and depressed through much of the movie and finds destructive ways to cope with his failing health at times.  The teacher does see the value in working with gifted people (like he was) though, and thankfully doesn't self-destruct in his journey of accepting the symptoms of MS.  

3. One underlying theme is the ability to find love despite your social challenges

Nathan doesn't have many friends, but he does meet a young lady at his math camp who takes a liking to him.  This movie shows that even those who are major social hang-ups can still find people who want to spend time with them and love them.  Nathan meets someone just like this, and I think this part of the movie is fairly accurate.   Love many times knows no boundaries as far as compatibility and willingness to overlook faults.    This movie does a great job showing that.

This movie is British and I thought it was well produced and well acted.   Some other movies of similar nature are "Little Man Tate" and "Searching For Bobby Fischer".   I would say this movie rates much higher than "Little Man Tate", but not nearly as high as "Searching For Bobby Fischer". If you liked "Searching For Bobby Fischer" or are in the mood for a good thinking drama, you may want to watch it and reflect on the challenges of being so smart - you find it hard to live life average.