The movie brought attention to people who live with physical disabilities, which was a fitting topic coming at the end of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Based on a true story, the movie explores the relationship between a French aristocrat, who became a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident, and a young immigrant man from the projects in Paris who is hired to take care of him.
The pre and post movie discussion was led by Reynolds adjunct professor Toney Lineberry. A popular motivational speaker, Toney has traveled throughout North America speaking about safety belts, drunk driving, and responsibility to high schools, colleges, business organizations and the military.
The audience was moved by Toney’s story of how he became a quadriplegic after a car accident and how this event turned his life around. After his accident, Toney completed his associate’s degree at Reynolds and then earned a full scholarship to Randolph Macon College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and the University of Virginia, where he completed his law degree. From the heartwarming story in the movie to Toney’s own life experiences, the entire program was a resounding success.
