Week 5 - Movie Review: Temple Grandin


Temple Grandin: A Story of Pain, Resilience, Love and Glory


Temple Grandin is more than just a story of achievement; it’s a deep dive into the mind of a woman who defies convention at every turn. The film reveals how Temple’s way of thinking—visually and intensely—opens up new possibilities, especially in her work with animals, where her empathy paves the way for the realization of her genius. Her work brings newfound meaning to her life and leaves a lasting, positive impact on the world. Through Claire Danes’s powerful portrayal, we’re drawn into Temple’s world, a place where obstacles are simply challenges to be reimagined. It’s a story that tugs at our heartstrings with themes of love, courage, and innovation.

One of the moments that stood out most was Temple’s creation of the “hug machine” to calm herself. Inspired by cattle chutes, this invention is more than a device; it’s a symbol of “unique solutions for unique problems.” It speaks to the importance of understanding yourself and embracing the things that make you different. This scene reminds us that quirks can be strengths, and sometimes the best solutions come from traits or experiences we may have once seen as obstacles.


Another part that spoke to me was the profound love Temple’s mother shows her, brought to life by Julia Ormond’s powerful performance. Her mother’s “era-defying wisdom” and unwavering dedication were the foundation Temple needed during her crucial developmental years. Without her mother’s steadfast support, perhaps none of us would have had the privilege of witnessing the story of this miraculous inspiration that is Temple Grandin.


Temple’s journey feels both empowering and deeply personal. It encourages us to look at our own lives and ask, “How can we embrace our differences as strengths?” As someone with ADHD, I know what it’s like to struggle with mundane but necessary daily tasks. Yet I’ve come to appreciate my unique abilities—like creativity, bursts of focus, and a high energy for the things I care about. These qualities, like Temple’s visual thinking, can bring fresh perspectives that lead to unexpected solutions. Watching Temple Grandin reminds me to embrace my own problem-solving style and to see every challenge as an opportunity. Temple’s life shows that our paths don’t have to be conventional to be impactful, and that sometimes being true to ourselves could become one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.


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