'Guiding Emily' is a film that will resonate with anyone who has completely or partially lost their sight, or someone having to deal with a loved one losing their sight.
Sarah Drew stars as the adventurous Emily, who loses her sight after a hiking accident. Her fiancée Connor (Toby Levins) is comforting and supportive at first, but when he realizes he would have to adapt to an entirely different lifestyle with a blind woman as his wife - and having received a job offer he can't refuse - Connor has second thoughts. This and the fact Emily now needs guidance, leaves her distraught.
But 'Guiding Emily' isn't a somber, pity movie. It is uplifting, and there are many funny moments. Many of these humorist moments are provided by the absolutely adorable dog, Garth - a Labrador guide dog. Much of the film is also told from the dog's perspective.
The film proves just how easy it is for sighted people to take sight for granted. After all, our eyes are the windows to the world. And we so seldom even consider the possibility of vision being taken away from us in a matter of seconds. With the loss of one sense, though, the other senses become more dominant - such as the sense of smell and touch.
'Guiding Emily' is a feel-good movie with good performances and a good script. It never gets too emotional and despite a few dramatic moments here and there, it remains lighthearted enough throughout so you don't need a box of tissues. Then again, Garth's cuteness might also stir happy emotion, so yeah, maybe its best to keep those tissues handy!!
The film also teaches us not to be too depressed when things go wrong. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and just maybe fate has a funny way of showing you the way to a better life...
