Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
A cinematic tapestry of resilience, tracing a surgeon's ascent from the shadows of poverty to the brilliance of the operating room through a mother's unwavering light and a steady hand guided by faith.
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
07 February 2009 United States of America 86 min ⭐ 7.8 (759)
Director: Thomas Carter
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Harron Atkins, Ele Bardha
Drama
The Power of Education and Literacy Maternal Influence and Sacrifice Faith and Divine Providence Perseverance against Racial Prejudice Risk and Innovation

Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Benjamin Carson

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Archetype: The Determined Hero
Key Trait: Methodical Perseverance

Motivation

Driven by a desire to prove his worth and a deeply held belief (instilled by his mother) that he is capable of greatness through God's help.

Character Arc

Transitions from a labeled "dummy" in elementary school to a rebellious teenager with a dangerous temper, and finally to a humble, world-renowned neurosurgeon who breaks medical boundaries.

Sonya Carson

Kimberly Elise

Archetype: The Mentor/Sacrificial Mother
Key Trait: Unflinching Resilience

Motivation

Determined to ensure her sons have the opportunities she lacked, focusing entirely on their academic and moral development.

Character Arc

Maintains a steadfast front of strength for her children while privately battling clinical depression and the shame of her illiteracy.

Candy Carson

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Archetype: The Supportive Partner
Key Trait: Empathetic Grace

Motivation

Unconditional love and shared faith, acting as a collaborator in Ben's personal and professional life.

Character Arc

Provides a steady emotional foundation for Ben during his residency and personal tragedies, such as the loss of their first children.

Cast

Cuba Gooding Jr. as Ben Carson
Kimberly Elise as Sonya Carson
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Candy
Harron Atkins as Teen Carl
Ele Bardha as Dr. Long
Loren Bass as Yale Professor
Geoffrey Beauchamp as Dr. Freeman
Tajh Bellow as Curtis (Child)
Lesley Bevan as Miss Williamson
Jesse Christian as Hospital Staff
Ron Coden as Professor
Wayne David Parker as ER Doctor #1
Angela Dawe as Augusta Rausch
Gregory Dockery as Teen Curtis Carson
Zac Douglass as Mark Buckley