My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown
No one expects much from Christy Brown, a boy with cerebral palsy born into a working-class Irish family. Though Christy is a spastic quadriplegic and essentially paralyzed, a miraculous event occurs when, at the age of 5, he demonstrates control of his left foot by using chalk to scrawl a word on the floor. With the help of his steely mother — and no shortage of grit and determination — Christy overcomes his infirmity to become a painter, poet and author.
Critics Sentiment
Young Christy writes MOTHER with chalk using his left foot
Christy confesses his love to Dr. Cole in a restaurant
The film drops significantly from Christy's artistic development to his painful restaurant confession scene, representing his most vulnerable and difficult moment.
The film maintains consistently strong reception throughout, anchored by universal praise for Day-Lewis's transformative performance and the authentic portrayal of Christy's journey. While some critics found certain sections slow or difficult to follow, the overwhelming consensus celebrates the film's unsentimental approach and powerful storytelling. The sentiment arc follows Christy's life from struggle through triumph, with the iconic chalk-writing scene standing as the film's emotional and critical peak.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 69
Daniel Day-Lewis
Christy Brown
Brenda Fricker
Mrs. Brown
Alison Whelan
Sheila
Kirsten Sheridan
Sharon
Declan Croghan
Tom
Eanna MacLiam
Benny
Marie Conmee
Sadie
Cyril Cusack
Lord Castlewelland
Phelim Drew
Brian
Ruth McCabe
Mary
Fiona Shaw
Dr. Eileen Cole
Ray McAnally
Mr. Brown
Pat Laffan
Barman
Derry Power
Customer in Bar
Hugh O'Conor
Young Christy Brown
Darren McHugh
Young Benny
Owen Sharp
Young Tom
Eileen Colgan
Nan
Keith O'Conor
Young Brian
Tom Hickey
Priest
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
