That was an excellent one.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I detest hip hop and rap. But, as with pop music over the decades beginning at least as far back as the 1940s, some music stars from each genre of music have also become movie and television stars. Mos Def turns in a superb performance in this HBO film...a film that deserved release in movie theaters; it's that good. And to top off Mos Def's performance is an equally stunning performance by Alan Rickman, who provided a surprisingly good southern accent. This film, based on true events, tells the story of a Depression Era White doctor who hires a Black man as an assistant in his lab, expecting him to perform janitorial work. Over time, he realizes that the Black worker is a gifted medical "technician". Their friendship grows despite the racial barriers, and the Black assistant eventually becomes a full-fledged doctor at Johns Hopkins. The story itself is inspiring. But so is the acting, which is top notch.Another gem here is one of the loveliest (and best) actors in the Black community -- Gabrielle Union. This particular role isn't as big as many of the romantic role she has taken, but it's still a good performance.I find this film very moving and inspirational. A solid 8.

This was one of the best movies I've ever watched. The hope & spirit of the future. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a religious movie or not, but decided to see what it was all about. And I'm so glad I did. It doesn't have anything to do directly with the Lord but with the gift he bestowed upon us. The medical profession in the 30's, was an amazing time to be part of something bigger. This movie is based on a true story, and is about man and his 'assistant'. With the love of a good woman & supportive friends you can make miracles happen. I believe that this movie hits on so many emotions. It will satisfy your need to believe in yourself.I truly enjoyed the acting in this movie. Rickman is a great actor and always enjoy all of his movies. And Mos Def plays his part very well (he plays a very humble man who doesn't fight for what acknowledgment he deserves.

This was a great true story about overcoming tremendous odds and adversity. It is about two men, one white and one black, who pioneered newborn heart surgery. Mos Def's character is a carpenter who comes on at Johns Hopkins University and helps Alan Rickman's character develop procedures for the operation and everything. Of course, Def has to overcome prejudice and the social aspects of the day, as it is set during the 1940s. Overall, this was a very inspiring movie. I am very glad I saw it. I liked all the characters, especially the one portrayed by Charles Dutton. Definitely see it if you get the chance.*** out of ****

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.