10 Films That Prove Disability Doesn't Hold You Back

3. Rain Man (1988)

Dustin Hoffman gives one of the all-time great cinema performances as Raymond Babbitt in Barry Levinson's Rain Man; the cross-country drama about two brothers and the mental disability of autism. Tom Cruise crops up on the list again as Raymond's brother Charlie, who takes offence his father has left his fortune to his disabled brother and embarks on a trip to Las Vegas in a sort of blackmail-type deal. Along the way, Charlie experiences the true nature of his sibling's condition, and what was an original act of defiance and greed turns into a journey of self-discovery to find the true-meaning of brotherhood. Raymond's disability is severe, there is no other way to put it. He finds social interactions difficult and his routine must be adhered to strictly otherwise he becomes distressed. Autism also presents him with an incredible talent for numbers (not money however). He can count how many toothpicks have fallen out of a box in a matter of seconds (246 to be exact), and a trip to a Las Vegas casino ends as a very profitable venture for Raymond and Charlie. You could say his autism is exploited in this sense, but it also proves that disability can provide gifts beyond recognition. Charlie learns so much about his brother (how he saved him from being burned as a child) on their journey together. His brain is flawed but beautiful, something to be admired and respected, not pitied. Autism may appear debilitating at first, but Levinson's light comic moments and interactions show Ray to be a magical human being.