Concussion, starring actor Will Smith, premiered Dec. 25, 2015. The movie follows the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Smith), the man who studied and revealed the damage that contact sports, particularly football, causes to one’s brain.

Concussion is based on a true story, depicting the life of Omalu and the NFL’s firm denial of all of his findings.
The film, rated PG-13, is directed by Peter Landesman and written by Landesman and Jeanna Marie Laskas.

The movie also features Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes, Omalu’s partner who joins the fight against the NFL, and Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril Wecht, Omalu’s boss. Gugu Mbatha-Raw assumes the role of Prema Mutiso, Omalu’s soon to be wife.

Other cast members include David Morse as ex-Steeler and Hall of Famer Mike Webster, and Luke Wilson in a limited role as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Morse delivers a strong performance displaying Webster’s persona of an ex-center who battles the effects of brain trauma.

Smith’s rendition of Omalu is remarkable. His slight African accent is spot-on. Not overpowering, but strong enough to remind the viewer of his character’s strong African roots, Smith plays into Omalu’s desire of wanting so hard to fit in with American values and culture. The passion of Omalu is brought forth in Smith’s performance, and the role earned him a well-deserved Golden Globes nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture- Drama.

Concussion contains plot elements for people of all interests, from sports to drama to even romance. Following the subject of brain trauma and Omalu’s fight against the NFL can be a bit heavy for some people, but Landesman does a good job balancing the dense subject with Omalu’s love story with Mutiso.

The movie will definitely start the discussion regarding the issue of contact sports and the effects they cause to the brain. It is an issue that is prevalent from a very young age, and Concussion raises the question of whether or not these sports should be encouraged.

Even if you are a fan of football, Concussion will make you view contact sports in a totally different way.

Regardless of your views on the issue of violence in sports, Concussion is a must see movie that highlights the life of a man that truly embodies the idea of truth and having the courage to fight for truth and justice.