Something the Lord Made

Director: Joseph Sargent
Actors: Alan Rickman, Mos Def, Kyra Sedgwick, Gabrielle Union, Merritt Wever
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Category: DVD

List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $6.68
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Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars 141 reviews
Sales Rank: 2134

Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), French (Subtitled)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 110 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.6

MPN: HBOD92461D
ISBN: 078312404X
UPC: 026359246128
EAN: 9780783124049
ASIN: B00067BCBI

Theatrical Release Date: May 30, 2004
Release Date: January 25, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!
Something the Lord Made

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Customer Reviews

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5 out of 5 stars Accurate portrayal of genius recognized late    January 3, 2009
Robert A. Spriggs (Oakland, Calif.)
My interpretation of the title, Something the Lord Made, refers not just to the genuis of the black assistant's (Vivien Thomas played by Mos Def) "feel" for surgery but also to his incredible restraint at the lack of recognition shown by lead surgeon, Dr. Blalock (Alan Rickman). Clearly, the latter's surgical achievements would have been delayed at best if not for the former's unique abilities.

Of particular interest is the response of Blalock to Thomas within the racial/social context of the time (1944). In the film, Blalock excludes Thomas from any social recognition. This occurs most notably following the successful "blue baby" reversal procedure. During the subsequent press conference, Thomas isn't included. Could this have been an innocent omission by Blalock or was Thomas intentionally excluded? The film doesn't provide a definite answer to this important question delving into the character of Dr. Blalock. My opinion: Blalock deliberately excludes Thomas from recognition because he was frightened of having to share his success with a second-class citizen of the time. To admit that a black man orchestrated the preliminary canine-research leading to open-heart surgery was too much for Blalock and the majority of whites in 1944 to swallow. Fortunately, Thomas receives his long-overdue honorary doctorate at the end of the film.







5 out of 5 stars Something the Lord Made    December 23, 2008
Betzaida Martinez
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Es una pelicula mas que excelente, te acoge en su drama y no dejaras de verla hasta el final y te quedaras con ganas de volverla a ver. Cautivara tu corazon, te hara llorar de rabia y de felicidad. Es una pelicula que todos deben de ver, especialmente aquellos que quieran estudiar medicina o a los que son medicos, para que creen la conciencia de la humildad y el servicio humano a los pacientes.


5 out of 5 stars Excellent historical depiction of Hopkins' rise to prominence in heart surgery    December 22, 2008
B. D. Whitsett II (Montclair, NJ USA)
This movie will most likely make you cry. But rest assured, you will have tears of joy


5 out of 5 stars A must see!    December 20, 2008
Alison B. Koerper (North Hollywood, CA USA)
A wonderful true story about surgical pioneers who put aside racial differences to change the face of medicine. It's wonderfully acted and directed as well.


5 out of 5 stars Great movie...    December 20, 2008
D. Persons (Buffalo, NY)
In a day we some of us take racial equality more for granted, this wonderfully created movie shows how not too long ago, bigotry was quite the norm. Based on a true store of Dr. Blalock's first open heart surgery, this movie will bring appreciation and inspiration to all ages.