Something the Lord Made

This movie was heartwarming, inspiring, touching. Mos Def did a brilliant job as did Alan Rickman. I'm not quite sure why it was only made for TV, i guess because it's not garbage like most of what is out there at 9 dollars a ticket! Anyway a must see for those that can catch it on cable, I suggest you tivo it!

There is much to be said about character and Vivian is a man of character that stuck through it all, with no recognition no lights no awards, nothing. Yet through all the hardship and obvious racism he made his mark in history!

I applaud him... Kudos!

And he did it with such grace!

One of the earmarks of a great true story on film is that, when it's over, you find yourself wishing it had been longer and wanting to know more about the subject. This is definitely the case with "Something the Lord Made." I can't wait to do a little reading up on this very intriguing story! Alan Rickman as Alfred Blalock is excellent, as he always is, but the real pleasure is in watching Mos Def as Vivien Thomas. Through his lovely, subtly nuanced performance, we are able to truly appreciate this incredibly gifted and complex man. The writers did an excellent job of making the viewer aware of the racial climate in Viven Thomas' life; note the early scene in which Vivien and a friend are walking and talking, and each time some white people approach them on the sidewalk, they step aside and yield right of way without hesitation. And yet, there is no heavy-handedness or preachy air to these scenes. The racial injustices that Vivien Thomas endured are obvious, but the viewer is not clubbed over the head with them.

I have seen this movie at least 8 times since it first appeared last summer and never tire of it. I must add that my entire adult working life has been in the field of medicine so maybe I have more interest than some. The names of the residents in this film are names I have heard throughout my career. I am amazed by the genius of Vivien Thomas (or anyone without medical training who could understand as he did) and at the fact that Doctor Blalock accepted him as an individual (most of the time), without regard to his race or lack of medical education. I cannot think of actors who would have done a better job than Alan Rickman or Mos Def and I applaud them, and the rest of the cast, as well as the producers, for bringing this wonderful story to life. I can only hope it will be available on DVD soon, if not yet. I have told at least 100 people about this movie, without giving away too much detail. If you are interested in medicine, and the development of new procedures that change lives, especially of the very, very young, then this is a movie for you. Even if you do not have a medical background, it is worth seeing for the genius and compassion of those two men who did not allow the racial climate of the times to overpower their desire to make a difference. To all the residents who learned at Hopkins from these two gifted men, be forever grateful that their lives touched yours, albeit briefly. We lost two very gifted men who did an exceptional job of training others to follow in their footsteps. Jeers to the staff members who were ruled by race and education and a firm salute to those who were not. I give it a 10!

I'm a physician who has been involved with children with congenital heart disease, including "blue babies." This movie will move you, regardless of who you are. Drs. Blalock & Taussig, whose ingenious procedure is used to convey the aspects of this film (Blalock-Taussig Shunt), were two of my 'heros.' The amazing genius and operative dexterity of surgical research phenomenon Vivian Thomas, and his focus on, love for, and persistence with his work against seemingly unscale-able obstacles, in superbly portrayed by Mos Def. His achievements, out of his background and lack of opportunities, made me feel that I should have been able to do much more than I have, given how much more was just handed to me. We should all feel we can accomplish greatly, and without resorting to destructive acts or words, when seeing the manner with which this class-act man performed. The depiction of the incredible bravery of Blalock, Taussig, and Thomas, who were embarking on not just uncharted, but forbidden surgical waters, warned that if such an "adventure" went awry, they'd be "on their own", made me feel timid and lacking in fortitude, by comparison. SEE (actually FEEL) THIS MOVIE!!

I actually avoided this movie for awhile..my mistake..It was so exhilarating...the characters were so real....and it reveals the true state of racial bias in the thirties/forties without harping...the real story is about the relationship between two very diverse people who shared a common dream....excellent performances by Richman and Def! What an understated overwhelming story...told in a poignant fashion over the background of the Depression, WW II, and the history of modern surgery!!

I got so very interested in the procedures, I had to scour the internet to research the story... This is the first I recall seeing Mos Def. He was so believable...