Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

GrimPrecise I'll tell you why so serious

BoardChiri Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

danceability-1 Superb acting in a wonderfully-written film Alan Rickman and Mos Def give superb performances in this wonderfully-written film about the triumph of intelligence and creativity over the effects of racial prejudice."Something The Lord Made" is the real-life story of Dr. Alfred Blalock and technician (later Dr.) Vivian Thomas, both of whom pioneered open-heart surgery in America in the mid-twentieth century.Rickman, as Blalock, gives a flawless, charismatic portrayal of an egotistical surgeon who gains nobility of spirit while he defies (and yet is simultaneously confined by) the customs of his society. Rickman's performance is all the more impressive because he is British, and Blalock was an American from the south; nevertheless, Rickman's southern accent is natural and effortless.Rickman brings likability and humanity to what could otherwise be an unsympathetic character; and this core humanity gives "Something The Lord Made" a depth not often seen in tales of bigotry within American society. Too often, tales of this sort delineate the bad guys from the good guys in an almost cartoonish fashion, but Rickman's Blalock is both good and bad, reflecting more accurately the reality of the times in which both characters lived.Mos Def gives a subtle, moving and sympathetic performance as Vivian Thomas, a gifted man who is caught in the trap of prejudice and the expectations of an unenlighted society. The film clearly demonstrates that Thomas is the intellectual peer of Blalock; it is society and circumstance that for years robs Thomas of the practical opportunity to become Blalock's actual peer in terms of status. Def gives us the portrait of a man who chooses patience over reaction; through him, we feel outrage at the denial of the respect due Thomas, time and again.The writing in this film is low-key and highly effective. Because American society has in some ways changed since the mid-twentieth century setting of this film, younger viewers may not understand the actions and choices made by Blalock and Thomas, both within this film and within real life. Nevertheless, "Something The Lord Made" gives an extremely uplifting and surprisingly accurate portrayal of life as it really existed in those times, and should be appreciated both as an historical and enlightening film.danceability-1, Amsterdam Holland

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.

mysty_nz What can I say? I think Alan Rickman is an awesome actor! No one I can think of can take the place of Prof Snape. But if you want something different then this movie I think you should see! I will not go into details bout the movie(Don't want to spoil it!) but I can not think of anyone that could have taken his place. Out of all his movies, From Die Hard to Harry Potter(well since me seen him act anyway) I thought this movie should be one of the top Five movies of his. I will admit that I have not seen all his movies(I hope to one day), but there is only one other movie to me that out shines this one and that is Harry Potter! Don't you just love a villain

cherry259-1 I know nothing of Mos Def in the rap world, but his outstanding performance in Something the Lord Made is a "must see" movie. The story is gripping in the fact of what Vivian Thomas accomplished amid such bigotry in that era of time. I'm proud to see that he was finally recognized for his great achievements, but ashamed of what he had to go through. Had he had the proper respect and opportunities that others had, perhaps he would have achieved even more; he was hindered and burdened by history. I would love to see his portrait FIRST before seeing the others that came before him. Perhaps seeing Mos Def in this medium of performing, I would consider listening to (a)rap song, which (respectfully) I'm not fond of...but, I would be more likely to try the "rap" starting with him, simply because of his performance in Something the Lord Made.