At First Sight Movie (1999)

A wonderful romantic drama, based on a true story.

Amy (Mira Sorvino) has a stressful job and seeks refuge at a spa. There she meets Virgil (Val Kilmer) who not only helps her relax, he helps her view the world differently. Amy becomes very attracted to Virgil. His blindness is not a barrier between them because they find that they relate to one another on a much deeper level.

Amy wants Virgil to try to regain his site as she thinks he is missing out on so many experiences in life. His sight is restored through a ground breaking operation, but it is not all plain sailing. He has been blind since he was 3 years old, and finds it a real challenge, physically, mentally and emotionally, being in such a visual world.

This movie deals with some deep issues which are rarely brought to the screen...Acceptance and awareness being two of the main ones. Suprisingly, I found that I could really relate to the way Virgil thinks, maybe not from an acceptance point of view, but from an awareness point of view. Many people are so busy with their lives they rarely take the time to look up at the sky, they don't close their eyes and "listen" to the rain or the bird song or hear the creaking of the trees in the wind. They are missing out on so many wonderful experiencs. What this movie succeeds in doing is making you realize how much there is in your life to truly be grateful for.

The next time it rains, close your eyes and listen. You will be amazed at how much you don't hear when you "see" the rain.