Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7059 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-01-02
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 110 minutes

Synopsis
Based on a true story, SOMETHING THE LORD MADE tells the absorbing tale of two doctors who bucked tradition and racial prejudice to revolutionise the medical world. The American south in the 1940s could be a fearsome place for anyone attempting to ply a well-meaning trade, as it was riddled with strictly-enforced racial boundaries. The two men in question Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and African-American lab technician Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) work fastidiously on a new technique for helping babies with heart problems, and achieve some impressive, and innovative results. Under any other circumstances the men would have been exhilarated by their advances, and widely applauded throughout the medical profession. But the dark heart of the south causes innumerable problems for the brave pioneers, as the prejudices brought to bear on the men become unbearable. Moving and dramatic in equal measures, director Joseph Sargent's film is a bold retelling of a vital chapter in the history of the medical profession.

Customer Reviews

The beginning of a new era.
As described above, this film portrays the lives of two very unique yet similarly minded individuals on their quest for a scientific breakthrough. The film takes you on a journey not only through their accomplishments but also the hardships African American's were facing at the time, showing this perfectly with regards to the hurdles Vivien Thomas faced whilst working with his mentor turned colleague; Alfred Blalock.

Both Alan Rickman and Des Mof played their characters extremely well, the editing was great. I thought the film could have been slightly longer, condensing forty odd years into two hours does mean it's a bit rushed. However, despite that the directors and editors seem to have captured the essence of it all beautifully and it was a pleasure to watch.

I would particularly recommend this to fellow medical students. It's all well and good learning the theory and anatomy behind ventricular septal defects, but it's more fulfilling to take a step back from the textbooks and appreciate the history behind this epic research and treatment undertaken by these two very accomplished individuals.

A Truely Heartwarming Film
Just watched this film which was truely heartwarming, emotive and amazing.

I was born with a heart defect, so watching this film was even more poingnant. Would I be here had they not done what they did back then? Probably, however i may not be as well as i am now had they not carried out all that amazing work. They were way ahead of their time. Def & Rickman are a credit to the acting profession and both carry out their roles impeccebly. Definately a film to watch.

A great story of medical history
This is a great movie about a medical revolution and the relationship between the two man how made it going. They invented the new field of medicine, the heart surgery. But since the one was a black man (who even never visited a university) they couldn't share the victory as equals because of the segregation. This tests their collaboration and their friendship.

Boht of the leading actors do a great job, Alan Rickman (who would have doubted...) and Mos Def are realy authentic and expressive all the time. The story is quiet and full of interesting details, a nice piece of work. Not a single minute boredom.

Highly recommend !!!