Alicia I love this movie so much

Intcatinfo A Masterpiece!

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Jazr2000 I watched this movie out of the suggestion from my grandmother. My son was born with a congenital heart defect and had the BT shunt for the first 4 1/2 months of his life. My grandmother didn't know he had it when she told me to watch it because it was about 2 years after it was removed and replaced with a shunt made from his own valves. To see how they actually made this and saved so many lives amazes me. I am sitting here tearing up just thinking about it. These wonderful men helped save my little boys life so many years before he was even born. Without God's direction and wisdom they couldn't have done it alone. Say what you will but I truly believe these men were divinely ordered to construct this medical marvel. Oddly enough this movie came out the same year my son was born so I feel it was meant for me to see this film. I HIGHLY recommend anyone to watch it especially those who have children or family members with heart conditions.

jackmronner The film could have stood on its own had it simply been a compelling account of the genesis of an historic, baby-saving surgical procedure. Its treatment of the racial dimension renders it an important film, to match the importance of the lives upon which it was based. From a purely filmic perspective, the disparity of experience and eminence as between Alan Rickman and Mos Def in the acting domain, is beautifully mirrored in the relationship between the Doctor and Vivien. We watch as Mos/Vivien rises in our esteem, as their unlooked-for skill reveals itself in the operating and movie theaters. The subtle, almost off-handed, treatment of the prejudice that obtained at that time in history reveals that racist systems can only exist when the injustices are almost invisible to those on either side of the divide; accepted as a matter of course a hundred times a day. So many of the greatest scenes in this movie involve what is left unsaid, from stifled outrage to touchingly laconic "regrets". The highly emotional (for me - every time I see it) quality of this film is that the viewer knows that now the injustices portrayed are no longer invisible, and that what was unsaid to Vivien for so long was finally said, both in his recognition as a pioneer in real life and the tribute that was this film about a life that, appropriately, speaks for itself.

thinker1691 In the 1930-40's when Racism was in full force, most people in power were slow, nay, reluctant, to change their views. Theirs' was a world of stature, provided you were white. Any other race, color or creed were subject to a code which stated, if you're not white, we do not recognize you. This movie, directed by Joseph Sargent, is a case in point. In 1930, Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) is a prominent medical practitioner. Although skilled, he lacks scope, to advance medical science by basic, but often crude methods. Into his stagnant, myopic and definitely prejudicial world enters one extremely gifted young man named Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). He meets and immediately catches the eye of Dr. Blalock who discovers the man he knows as the 'Janitor' is not only closely observant, but insightful, not only as an anatomical artist, but as a imaginative Proceduralist. In time, the friendship grows, but not their social status, as their world clings to racial stereotypes. Despite the increasing accomplishments produced by Thomas, the lion's share of the credit is offered to Blalock, who does not recognize Thomas in either the media nor with the hospital. It will be years, before his overseers acknowledge the talented young man as a great doctor and futurist. The movie is a splendid example of Racism in the work place and Rickman is a perfect specimen of the opportunistic, egotistic and self-absorbed employer. Were it not for the changing times, America would have never known of the incredible achievement of Dr. Vivian Thomas. A moving and emotional picture and sure to become a Classic. ****

x xx This movie is outstanding, as the other reviewers have already told. I first came upon it while flipping through the guide to see if there was anything worth watching and I noticed this movie about pioneering heart surgery. Being in the medical field myself, I had to watch, and WOW! I am so glad I did. After that I made my kids and hubby watch too and they loved it equally. It often seems to me that the very best movies are based on a true story, and this movie is no exception.The only thing I feel compelled to add that others have not told is that the first blue baby treated, the one about whom Dr. Blalock said, "Maybe God does want this child to die, but I mean for her to live," um, the baby died. God always gets the last word. I think they should have included that fact in the movie (that the child did not survive). The movie made it look like Dr. Blalock was above God. Of course, those in the medical field know plenty of surgeons who think that way, but I wanted it pointed out in the movie that that's not the case. Otherwise, this movie is very impressive from the directing, filming, acting, in EVERY way. Highly recommended.