My Left Foot (1989)

This true story about Irish writer/artist Christy Brown is an inspiring and emotional vehicle for method actor Daniel Day-Lewis.  He plays a man born with cerebral palsy with limited mobility and speaking ability.  He learns to use his left foot to write and paint, and with some speech therapy he learns to talk.  Reportedly, Day-Lewis had difficulty using his left foot, and so he used his right foot and scenes were filmed in a mirror.  His mannerisms and speech are obviously the product of months of research and practice.  And this performance would earn Day-Lewis his first Oscar.  Brenda Fricker, too, won an Oscar for her performance as Christy's mother. She is strong despite poverty and a drunkard husband and perseveres to care for her many children.