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This movie captures the early history of heart operations while depicting the racial bias that existed in the United States during the period before and after World War II. Alan Rickman does a superb job of portraying Dr. Alfred Blalock,the surgeon who did the first "Blue Babies" heart operation. He is pompous and demanding, but also driven to perfecting a treatment for this affliction. Mos Def, the man who did all the pioneering laboratory studies for the operation, did a magnificent job of portrying a bright and dedicated black laboratory assistant who had to fight racial begotry and Blalock's demands. A great movie that should be seen by interested in early heart operations and racial predjudice.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The first time I watched "Something the Lord Made" was years ago when the Blockbuster Video store near where I live was still in business. I can't remember why I rented this video; perhaps the intriguing title is what made me take it home. Having been impressed with the movie back then, I was glad when I came across the same video at my local library and decided to take it home again. This time I watched it with my wife, and she and I really enjoyed the uplifting true story about a young African-American man's struggles in the 1940s to find an outlet for his talents, despite the resistance he encountered along the way. The video reminded me of the proverb, "A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men." This was certainly true of Vivien (played by Mos Def), even though the public recognition he deserved for contributing to the success of his boss, a pioneer in heart surgery on "blue babies," came late in life. Alan Rickman provides his usual fine performance, and the friendship which was forged between his character, Dr. Alfred Blalock, an irascible but visionary doctor, and Vivien, Mos Def's character, is portrayed poignantly in this uplifting film. I highly recommend it. Some scenes might be a little too intense for younger viewers, but a family viewing with teenagers present could serve as an important history lesson about racism in America decades before the successes of the Civil Rights movement.Read full review
This is an uplifting movie and true story of Dr.Alfred Blalock and his African American lab assistant who later became recognized as a doctor (Dr. Vivien Thomas). It warmed my heart and made me happy to see that there were some good people in the world who tried to be decent and unbiased in their views despite the foolish prejudices around them; in this case, namely that of Dr. Blalock who hired Vivien Thomas first as an assistant doing chores in the lab, and later after seeing Mr. Thomas' intelligence and avid reading of his medical books, he trained him to assist him with his experimentations in his lab; eventually the two of them performed many ground-breaking surgeries together over the years. Of course, Mr. Thomas was not recognized as a doctor nor recognized for his outstanding accomplishments with the doctor until after Dr. Blalock's death; at that time, Mr. Thomas finally received a place on the wall (via portrait) with other well-known doctors at the hospital. This was very joyful, but at the same time sad, because he was not recognized until he had become old and gray. This is a good movie to have as a testimony of the intelligence and accomplishments of many African-Americans, and a reminder that there were those, like Dr. Blalock and some others, who were decent enough to support them and recognize their talents, even if of late.Read full review
This is the first film that I had pictured Mos Def as a serious actor in a serious role. Bravo for everyone in this movie and had anything to do w/the production. I don't like the use of the "G.D." word in movies ( I tell people,"GOD doesn't need a damn..He walks on water")and it had a couple of other harsh words but great acting non-the less. I do not remember this being offered in theaters. I bought the movie because it is based on a true story and needs to be told.
If you love a good drama and are looking for a powerful film, this is a must! Mos Def delivers a powerful career performance lead by the talented Alan Rickman. This is one of those films that could have won an Academy Award. The story pulls you in and connects you with each character as they make medical history and solve the mystery of "Blue Baby's". There is not a boring moment in this heartfelt film. If you are looking for a hidden gem, this movie is the one!
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