Based on the real Michael Oher. While his difficult background is factual, Oher strongly disputes the film's portrayal of him as unintelligent and lacking football knowledge before the Tuohys' intervention. The central premise of his adoption by the Tuohys is also false; they established a conservatorship.

Based on the real Leigh Anne Tuohy. Sandra Bullock's Oscar-winning portrayal captures her assertive personality. However, Oher alleges the narrative of her "saving" him is exaggerated and part of a fabricated story that benefited the Tuohys financially.

Based on the real Sean Tuohy. Portrayed by Tim McGraw as laid-back and supportive. Oher's lawsuit challenges the motivations and financial arrangements presented in the film regarding the family's involvement.

Based on Sean Tuohy Jr. The film depicts him bonding with Oher and helping him with football plays (using condiments). The extent and nature of this interaction's importance is part of the disputed narrative.

Based on the real Collins Tuohy. Portrayed by Lily Collins as accepting and friendly towards Oher. Her role is secondary to the main disputed narrative.

Based on Sue Mitchell, Oher's real-life tutor. The film portrays her as a key figure in helping Oher improve academically to become NCAA eligible, which aligns with her known role. Played by Kathy Bates.

The film accurately reflects Oher's challenging childhood, marked by poverty, homelessness, his mother's addiction, and periods in foster care.

This specific inciting incident is depicted in the book and film. Oher had stayed with multiple families, including occasionally the Tuohys, prior to permanently moving in.

This is the central disputed point. Oher alleges he was misled into signing conservatorship papers shortly after turning 18, believing they were adoption papers. The Tuohys became his conservators, not his adoptive parents. The conservatorship was terminated in late 2023.

Oher strongly refutes this, stating he understood football well before living with the Tuohys. He played football in high school before they became his conservators. The film's portrayal minimized his existing knowledge and skills.

Oher acknowledges academic struggles due to lack of consistent schooling but feels the film inaccurately portrayed him as unintelligent ("dumb"), rather than educationally disadvantaged.

Oher required significant academic improvement (raising his GPA, supported by tutoring from Miss Sue) to meet NCAA eligibility requirements for Division I athletics.

An NCAA investigation did occur due to the Tuohys being Ole Miss boosters and Oher choosing to attend their alma mater. The film dramatizes the investigation and Oher's reaction. The Tuohys cite circumventing NCAA rules as a reason for the conservatorship.

Oher did attend the University of Mississippi and played football there.

Oher's lawsuit alleges the Tuohys (parents and children) profited significantly from the film deal (receiving $225k + 2.5% profits each) while he received nothing. The Tuohys and film producers dispute this, stating Oher was paid and proceeds were shared.

The film presents a heartwarming story of familial bonding. Oher's lawsuit suggests a more complex reality where he felt exploited and the "family" relationship based on the conservatorship was misrepresented to him and the public.

The film correctly shows Oher's development into a top prospect drafted into the NFL (by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009).

The film captures the general atmosphere and locations relevant to the story in Memphis during the early 2000s.

Though renamed "Wingate Christian" in the film, it accurately portrays the setting of the private school Oher attended, highlighting the socio-economic contrasts.

Represents the setting of Oher's college football career, including the campus atmosphere and SEC football culture.

Contrasts Oher's background with the wealthy environment of the Tuohy family's home in Memphis.

Represents the impoverished area where Oher's biological mother lived, highlighting the difficult circumstances Oher came from.

Accurately portrays the importance of high school football in the American South, including recruitment processes and community involvement.

Generally reflects the styles, vehicles, and technology common in the early-to-mid 2000s timeframe depicted.