Sight (2023) Poster

(V) (2023)

User Reviews

Review this title
80 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
8/10
A Movie for Adults
bkort-4919026 May 2024
A very uplifting story of a surgeon attempting to restore sight to a young Indian girl. He's a Chinese immigrant who lived through difficult time during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. He has some very bad experiences in China, and great challenges as an adult.

Some critics have found cuts between his childhood and adulthood disconcerting. They seem obvious to me and created the narrative of the story.

This movie is oriented towards adults. While dealing with some difficult topics, it does it with sensitivity and optimism. This is the kind of movie that Hollywood lost interest in years ago. While I enjoy comic book movies, it's very refreshing to see a movie that uplifts you. It's well worth a couple hours to enjoy.
14 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
More science than religion.
RegalsReelView27 May 2024
A pioneer in his field, Dr. Wang restores eyesight to patients who were told it was impossible by others. When he decides to take a pediatric patient from India, who lost her sight brutally, a ghost from Dr. Wang's past reemerges. As he journeys to find an appropriate treatment for his patient, he struggles to come to terms with the past and live in the present. In the end, it is the patient who helped Dr. Wang see clearly how living in the present and far more healing than being tormented by reliving the past.

Another Angel Studios production, this movie shares the story of Dr. Wang, who pushed the limits of science and developed new techniques and technologies to help restore his patients' eyesight. With the runtime clocking in at one hour and forty minutes, the story is balanced but has some scenes that could have been adjusted to streamline the story and compress the time. The story focuses more on Dr. Wang's life history and the method, procedure, and research he developed, with just a touch of religion. The movie is emotional, inspiring, and heartfelt. This is a solid movie to catch in the cinema for those looking for something less mainstream and a great watch at home; either way, it should be watched.
8 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Good movie can't believe it was real.
patrick-province27 May 2024
Interesting perspective on the Chinese cultural revolution. And an amazing story of the development of cutting edge laser eye surgery. It's definitely worth watching.

Heart warming tale about life and what matters most.

The journey is from a doctors childhood in revolutionary china where his childhood best friend and love interests father lost his sight through studying hard and perseverance he has become a laser eye surgeon who has done what many would consider impossible. This is set back about 20 years so you may even have been someone who used his technology and have improved sight today.
6 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Great story told beautifully!
Nathiri26 May 2024
I rarely give movies a 9 but I was very impressed at the production value and pacing of the film. It's not too long of a movie (about 1 hour 40) but goes into great depth of the life of Dr Wang and his past.

The movie flips back and forth between time periods but not in a way that's jarring and is generally well-placed and adds to the story and understanding of the character.

One issue with these types a movies is that it can sometimes feel slow/drag but I never lost interest or drifted over the film's duration, even after working 10 hours earlier in the day and being awake since 2am then watching a 7pm showing.

So I definitely highly recommend this film to everyone I know.
11 out of 13 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Great story, told a little slow
bentfins25 May 2024
This could have been a 10 were it not for the pace in several places. I was also a bit put out by the music. There were scenes involving a traditional Chinese instrument being played, that were overshadowed by accompanying European strings. It was very odd. Still, I recommend the movie for the interesting true story and inspirational facets. My wife really enjoyed it, and says it was an 8 for her. If you've ever seen some leftist propaganda on campus or the news, and thought to yourself "we should give that a try in the USA," this movie will enlighten you to the deadly folly that actually is. Recommended viewing for 13 and up.
11 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
The most inspiring and favorite movie I've seen in the United States
chicagojingjing26 May 2024
Yesterday, I went to watch the movie "SIGHT" with my friends. It's based on the true story of a Chinese immigrant doctor, which makes it even more touching and inspiring! Despite focusing on the story of Chinese immigrants, everyone, whether Chinese, American, or second-generation immigrants from any country, feels inspired after watching it. Some are immediately motivated to become doctors, like a second-generation Chinese student at Yale who said it's her favorite movie. When a movie can influence both you and your children, that's a true mark of a great film! Although we haven't experienced as many hardships as Dr. Ming, we can see in the film how he and his family overcame numerous challenges, step by step, to achieve their dreams and continually pursue excellence with optimism, perseverance, and love. Highly recommend!
10 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
I could do without the call for donations at the end
steiner-sam28 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It's an inspirational biopic of Ming Wang (Jaydn Zhang/Ben Wang/Terry Chen), an ophthalmologist who survived the Cultural Revolution in China. It's set in Hangzhou, China, MIT in Massachusetts, and Nashville, Tennessee, ranging from 1968 to 2007.

"Sight" begins in Nashville, where we learn that Ming is a brilliant ophthalmologist whose laser science background allows him to be innovative in working with corneas to restore sight. We meet Ming's colleague Misha (Greg Kinnear) and a young Indian girl, Kajal (Mia SwamiNathan), who was deliberately blinded by her parents to make her a more effective beggar.

The film follows Ming's efforts to restore Kajal's sight. At the same time, flashbacks recount his struggles growing up in China under challenging times with his parents, Zhensheng (Donald Heng/Raymond Ma) and Alian (Leanne Wang/Wai Ching), and younger brother, Yu (Kelvin Luo/Garland Chang). There is also his first love, Lili (Kiana Luo/Sara Ye), whose disappearance during the Cultural Revolution haunts him into adulthood. Ming's self-confidence is tested until he works through his spiritual crisis. The film provides modest flashes of the racial bias Ming encountered in the United States.

"Sight" is produced by Angel Studios, so it follows a particular formula. The protagonist faces severe trials, but recovery of faith brings inner resolution. The Christian message is light-handed, except when the real Ming Wang speaks at the end and proposes viewers give an offering to "pay it forward" for other viewers.

Ben Wang and Terry Chen play Ming convincingly. Sara Ye is an excellent Lili, and Mia SwamiNathan is also effective. The rest of the supporting cast is serviceable but not memorable. Given its nature, the scenes in the Cultural Revolution are not over-the-top in violence. The film leaves many gaps in details about Ming's life, e.g., how and when his family got to North America.
4 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
True, moving, inspiring, uplifting
This true, moving story was so beautifully filmed and the acting was superb. Angel Studios just keeps hitting home runs! The movie had me in tears more than once. We need more movies which inspire, stir our souls, and make that human connection. We don't all have the same experiences, but human emotions are common to us all and it benefits everyone to share in these true stories of dedication, love, overcoming trials and injustice, perseverance, and triumph.

Bonus: stay to the very end and see video of the REAL doctor and actual old photographs of the characters you got to know during the course of the movie!

Go watch it and thank me later!
12 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
2/10
Disappointed
lauraonlinepurchase25 May 2024
Dr. Wang's story is inspiring, but the movie is poorly made. Most of the cast can't act, and their Mandarin sounds way off! It's weird, especially since part of the movie is set in China in the 60s and 70s. The transitions between the present and the flashbacks are awkward and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story. The flashbacks weren't even filmed in Hangzhou, probably because they were on a tight budget. Plus, the history is not right. No one during the Cultural Revolution would call it an uprising or riot so straightforwardly. The director could have paid more attention to these details. It's such a waste of a good original story.
10 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
There is more to "SIGHT" than you saw.
ganglu-4789226 May 2024
Today was the second time I watched this movie. I watched it a couple of months back at a local church when Dr. Ming Wang was taking SIGHT on a nationwide free pre-view tour for non-profit organizations. I personally heard him talk, interacted with him, bought his autobiography "From Darkness to Sight". And I watched several of his interviews and his speech when he received Nashvillian of the year award on Youtube.

The movie showcased Dr. Want's breakthrough invention. First of all, people who is not in medical research have no idea how hard medical research is. FYI: I had my MD and Ph. D in molecular biology in China before I came to the US to conduct stem cell research. It is even harder to translate the research findings from laboratory animals to human beings. What he has achieved is not a small deal at all. Second of all, the movie didn't cover some trivia about his medical breakthrough: after patented his invention, he donated his patent to the world. Not only that, he traveled to nearly fifty countries and taught thousands of eye doctors his technology for FREE. You heard it right. Contact lenses are multi-billion-dollar industry. Was he out of his mind? It seemed he was. For what reason? He simply wanted to pay back for the freedom and opportunities the US has given him. Patent has a price tag; freedom and opportunities are priceless. For most of Americans who were born and grew up here, they can never appreciate those as nearly as immigrants who didn't have them.

Secondly, the movie didn't' show how he was struggling between science and faith. Dr. Wang became a Christian over time in the US. When he was contemplating the hypothesis that something in fetus has the biological ingredient to repair wound without scar, his faith initially constrained him from using fetus to do his research and therapy. It was when he was searching hard for the common ground between faith and science he came up with the solution seen in the movie. He has ever since become an advocate that faith and science are friends instead of foes. He authored book "The Common Ground Bible Study: Becoming a Peacemaker in a Polarized World" with Rice Broocks and has been teaching faith and science. For that he received an honorary doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, a Christian University.

Thirdly, Dr. Wang gave his cell phone number to every patient so they can access him when they need him post-surgery. Think about that.

"SIGHT" is a legendary piece about a person that is larger than life. I encourage you watch the move again with a new perspective. There is more to "SIGHT" than you saw.
7 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
Not as inspiring as advertised
ivagayle25 May 2024
We have seen several Angel Network movies, so we were looking forward to seeing SIGHT. I bought 4 tickets a month in advance for my husband, myself and 2 friends. After the movie all 4 off us went to lunch together. The overall opinion was SIGHT was just OKAY. Unfortunately, it did not compare to the trailers or advertisements.

I have had several people ask my opinion and I ask them what type of movie are they hoping for...?

If you want a documentary, you might enjoy this movie.

If you want a truly inspirational and uplifting movie, this will fall short.

All four of us agreed this is not a movie we would purchase for our online library or even stream again.
9 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A powerful film, must watch.
yiwen-6816727 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
"The Sight" is an inspiring and deeply moving film that chronicles the extraordinary journey of a Chinese eye doctor whose brilliance and perseverance lead him from the chaos of his homeland to the heights of medical excellence in the United States. Directed with a keen eye for both personal and historical drama, this movie is a testament to the power of family, friendship, and faith.

The narrative begins with a vivid depiction of the protagonist's early life, set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in China. Schools are destroyed, textbooks are burned, and an entire generation faces upheaval. Yet, amidst this turmoil, we meet a young boy with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His parents, portrayed with warmth and strength, provide unwavering support and guidance, instilling in him the values of diligence, honor, and compassion.

As the boy grows into a brilliant student, his journey becomes one of intense dedication and resilience. The scenes capturing his preparation for the national exams are gripping, showcasing the enormity of his achievement-placing among the top four students out of twelve million participants. The pride and joy of his parents as they send him off to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in America is palpable and heartwarming.

Once in the United States, the film shifts to explore the themes of friendship and honor. The protagonist faces the guilt of leaving behind a dear friend, who might have become more than just a friend, adding a layer of emotional complexity to his character. This inner struggle is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making the audience feel his pain and conflicted sense of duty.

The turning point of the film arrives with the introduction of a blind girl from India, whose unwavering faith and spirituality inspire the protagonist. Her belief in Jesus Christ and the hope she finds in her church illuminate a new path for him, blending his scientific passion with a newfound spiritual mission. This relationship is beautifully developed, showcasing how it propels him to envision a future where he can help more people see the light, both literally and metaphorically.

"The Sight" is not just a story of personal triumph; it also serves as a poignant reflection on the broader historical and cultural contexts that shape individuals. The film does an excellent job of interweaving the protagonist's personal narrative with the larger tapestry of Chinese history, illustrating how the past informs the present.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the stark realities of the Cultural Revolution and the hopeful expanses of the American landscape. The performances are equally compelling, with the lead actor delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his roots and his ambitions.

In conclusion, "The Sight" is a powerful film that celebrates the indomitable human spirit. It teaches valuable lessons about family, friendship, honor, and faith, while also providing a captivating historical account. This movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking an uplifting and thought-provoking experience.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Uplifting true story based on early life of trials
gprtbcpdc27 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Sight is a beautiful story of an eye doctor who endured many struggles in his past but overcame many odds to succeed and find ways for some patients to benefit from his study. When he failed, he took it personally. He had family and friends who believed in him and supported him through difficult times. It was beautiful to see the switch from childhood to present day and to see how one prepared him for the future challenges. It was beautiful to see how sometimes we can see, yet are blind and how the blind can often see more clearly than those of us with sight. With society filled with so much conflict, this movie is a breath of fresh air by people who work as a team for the common good!
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
A captivating drama worth watching
robsargeant-127 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Sight - the inspirational true story of the eye surgeon Dr. Wang, details how a gifted Chinese immigrant overcame many obstacles to become one of the most important eye surgeons of his generation. It was directed by Andrew Hyatt, who has developed an art and technique of film production that shows experienced craftmanship (He also contributed to the screenplay). I found the film captivating. No screen time was wasted. It was all used to tell the story and to help us to better understand the journey that Dr. Wang took to discover the truth and come to freedom. This came through the kindness of a young blind child from the Calcutta ghettos.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
A QR Code on the Big Screen? Good story ruined by an informercial
stevetarrr30 May 2024
The story itself is good but it, unfortunately, is not presented well. The technical production - music, sound, lighting, cinematography, costume - all are excellent. The dialogue and shaping of the characters was good for 90% of the movie. A frequent use of flashbacks is very effective for setting the tone for the modern-day character struggles. I started this review with 8 stars.

So what goes wrong? The dialogue is shallow and obvious. It doesn't reveal characters, it comes right out and tells you. We, the audience, doesn't need to be told once we understand the characters. I would liken the dialogue to a cheesy primetime network pseudo-drama about fires, police, or hospitals. Review drops to 6 stars. Still watchable.

What goes very wrong? The last 10% got silly and I wondered why. The answer: it was a lead up to a QR code on the Big Screen. Turns out the whole story was one large (and often well-done) infomercial.
4 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Inspiring true story - must see movie
bennett-8754127 May 2024
Inspiring true story. Well made movie.

There was a small part of the movie I considered a little slow, but this self reflective section turned out to be my daughter's favorite part!

So it is well worth watching for everyone!

Inspiring as we all work through hardships, buy not usually as hard as his. He went through a lot trying to learn/study in China and in the United States. Overcame many life challenges. Just go see the movie it wont make you regret you 2 hours as many movies do. I'm trying to send this review, but it is making me type more characters. But trust me, just go see it!!!!!!!
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
The Tenacity of the Human Spirit
meyermj-7499329 May 2024
This film chronicles a doctor's struggles with both his past and present. Dr. Ming must face the task of healing a little girl's blindness, while finding his way through the memories of his dark past. It demonstrates how sometimes the miracles of God are not necessarily ones of physical healing but that of the love and strength born out of adversity. I believe the actors did the film justice and thought the little girl who played Kajal was just adorable. An inspirational story worth watching and one based on a true story. This is the kind of content I wish to see represented more in theaters nationwide.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
His past helped him
jd986024 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great story of how his past shaped and prepared him for what he was facing in the present. At first he thinks he's stuck but then he gets a new perspective on his memories and it fuels him into new successes. What he thought was unsuccessful in the moment turned out to help him step into a new thought process and fueled him towards success in a later surgery. As he begins to embrace this new more well rounded thought process he begins to find healing from his own darkness. This enabled a foundation to be set up and many more people have been able to enjoy the miracle of seeing once again.
10 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Inspiring!!
sabrina-5918225 May 2024
This movie both touched my heart & stirred my spirit! I felt the pain of his past loss & also celebrated his overcoming victories. I think this is a story all should see & children should be watching movies like this I'm school to understand & build appreciation for history, for the sacrifices immigrants (who came legally) have made to make a life in America as a free person! Not a dry eye during certain scenes. Big kiddos to the cast, crew & production team who made this film.

This story is the exact kind of life that those, who we honor on Memorial day for their ultimate sacrafice, died for!!
5 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Outstanding depiction of 1970s-1980s China and modern medical research in USA
suzannescherr27 May 2024
Inspiring and moving on several levels - deals with dark topics (recommended for older teens and up) without deviance or sexuality. As another reviewer mentioned, the portrayals of authoritarian government are sobering for a time such as this. The script follows two convening stories - that of the young life of Dr Wang with the defining influences of his difficult life story and that of a not-for-profit eye research center in the USA (led by Dr Wang). Alongside Dr Wang's admirable victories of intellect and persistence, the movie exposes his vulnerability as a human being to less-than-healthy responses to horrendous experiences. Such truthful portrayal, especially of his struggle with his own ego, gives this movie a powerful entry into our own struggles. We are encouraged to shake off the dust and use our broken lives for noble purposes. Both my husband and I teared up more than once. The photos and videos of the real Dr Wang and other persons at the end were worth the wait. On another level, I really enjoyed hearing spoken Mandarin (English subtitles) and seeing real depictions of mainland China at the end of the 20th century. The movie treats the Chinese people and culture with enormous respect, much needed today.
5 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
"There is more to Life then what we see" from the movie
parksmj29 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is based on Dr Wang and what he has done to help people with their sight. It also tells his childhood story in both China and the U. S. Dr. Wang with his partner surgeon Greg Kinnear work tirelessly for all their patients. Their office is in Nashville . The emotions throughout this film are heartbreaking, heartwarming and feel so real. Dr. Wang growing up had many obstacles in China. As an immigrant in the U. S. he initially had a different set of obstacles. He overcame them all while still love struck from a lost love. The patents and the research that Dr. Wang has done is mind blowing. He is still going strong! This movie is well told and acted! It ends up as a feel good movie worth seeing.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Very touching story
jundyhahaha2 June 2024
I always love movies based on true stories. This film particularly appealed to me because it is based on a very touching true story about a Chinese immigrant who grew up in turbulent era in China and overcame all odds to come to the the United States and became a successful, world-renowned ophthalmologist.

The strong use their own abilities selflessly to help the weak. I also love the moral I learned from this film: The present is made possible by the past. This inspires those who have a bad past to face it. This kind of movie that promotes good people and good deeds dserves our support and recommendation.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Wonderful
jmfqypvtc26 May 2024
A dramatic, inspiring & exhilarating portrayal of Dr. Ming Wang's most human of epic journeys & tenacious spirit.

Coming of age during China's Cultural Revolution, yet launched from the solid foundation of a grandfather's, father's & mother's positive, personal examples & deep & lasting love & care.

Merged with the support of family, friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues & patients, in China & America, & from around the world.

All coalesce to create a recipe primed for success, yet humbly requiring the touch of the mighty but gentle hand of God.

Sight is a movie demanding to be seen. Come, my friend, come & see.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Amazing movie - Best I've seen in a while
nancy244524 May 2024
I went to this movie not expecting a lot and not knowing much about the story. I was totally engrossed from the beginning. It was really amazing, and I don't say that about very many movies. This being a true story makes it even better. You will meet this amazing doctor at the start of the movie, travel back in time to his upbringing, and back to the present time when he devotes his life to helping people gain or regain their sight. Acting was marvelous. When the movie ended, I sat pretty much stunned by how it moved me. This studio is known for making faith-based films, but that is not central to the story.

Don't let this movie get by you - see it before it's gone.
7 out of 12 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Jaw-dropping film - Contributions of Dr. Ming are astounding
gloriamiles27 May 2024
This is a Jaw-dropping film. The contributions of Dr. Ming are astounding in this movie 'Sight'.

My rating on 'Sight' is a 10/10 Have you ever wondered why guys like Dr. Ming are ignored by the left/wing?

Our country celebrates the lowIQ. They put on pedestals rappers/athletes/actors/singers/talk-show hosts, but almost never celebrate Asian-Americans contributions despite: 85% of all cancer researchers are Asian-American 90% of all semi-conductor work is done by Asian-Americans 90% of all lukemia, diabetes, arthritis laboratory work is done by Asian-Americans They work under the shadows in total humility while the jive-talking people have conned our entire nation into thinking they're important.

THANK YOU ANGEL STUDIOS for having the guts to put the work of a true hero - Dr. Ming and his work in restoring eye-sight - to the forefront.

May this encourage all Asian-Americans to keep going. We need you. You're way more important than some basketball player with his Nike shoe deal or Oprah Winfrey and her talk show. WAY. MORE. IMPORTANT.
5 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed