Movies About Medical School

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yûzô Kayama, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Reiko Dan
Rated Not Rated

Red Beard tells the story of a young doctor, Noboru Yasumoto, who is sent to a rural clinic to be trained by the esteemed Dr. Niide (aka Red Beard). During his stay, Noboru is exposed to the realities of life on the margins of society, including the harsh treatment of the poor and the sick, as well as the struggles of rural farmers struggling to make ends meet. Through his experiences, Noboru learns the importance of compassion and understanding, and the value of human life. In the end, Noboru must choose between his own ambitions and the personal sacrifices that will allow him to truly make a difference in the lives of those he has come to care for. Red Beard is an exploration of the power of kindness and humanity.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Takashi Shimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka
Rated Not Rated

Ikiru tells the story of Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), a middle-aged Tokyo bureaucrat who discovers that he is dying of stomach cancer. Having lived an unfulfilled life, he spends his last months desperately searching for a way to make a mark on the world. He finds a cause in a small park project for the local children, and he embarks on a mission to get the project finished before he dies. Along the way, he learns how to live life to the fullest, and the film culminates in a deeply moving climax. Ikiru is a powerful and moving drama that highlights the importance of living one's life to the fullest.

From Julian Schnabel, starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny
Rated PG-13

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a biographical drama directed by Julian Schnabel and based on the memoir of the same name by Jean-Dominique Bauby. The film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a successful French journalist who is rendered almost completely paralyzed following a stroke. Despite his condition, he is determined to communicate his story to the world and begins dictating his memoirs using a special alphabet he has created with his left eyelid. Through the use of flashbacks, we experience Bauby's life before and after the stroke, as well as his attempts to recapture the freedom and creativity he once enjoyed. The film explores the themes of resilience, creativity, and the power of the human spirit.

From Michael Moore, starring Michael Moore, Tucker Albrizzi, Tony Benn, George W. Bush
Rated PG-13

Sicko is a 2007 documentary film by Academy Award-winning director Michael Moore. The film examines the state of the United States healthcare system, focusing on its profitability, the impact of lobbying on the system, and its comparison to other nations' healthcare systems. Moore interviews numerous American citizens to compare their experiences with the US healthcare system, and highlights the struggles of those dealing with serious illnesses and their insurance companies. He also interviews people in Canada, the UK and France, where he finds the healthcare systems to be more efficient, cost-effective and compassionate. The film ultimately criticizes the US for not providing universal healthcare coverage for all citizens, and calls for a major reform of the system.

From David Lean, starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Rod Steiger
Rated PG-13

Doctor Zhivago is a 1965 epic romantic drama directed by David Lean. Set in Russia between the years of World War I and the Russian Civil War, the film follows the life of Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a medical doctor and poet, and his love for two women - his wife Tonya (Geraldine Chaplin) and the enigmatic Lara (Julie Christie). As Yuri's life unfolds, we witness the political and social turmoil of pre-revolutionary Russia, and the impact it has on his life, including his separation from his wife and his struggle to reunite with Lara. A powerful and timeless tale of love and loss, Doctor Zhivago is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Jean-Marc Vallée, starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn
Rated R

Dallas Buyers Club is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack. It is based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, an electrician from Texas diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the mid-1980s, who smuggles unapproved pharmaceutical drugs into Texas for himself and other members of the "Dallas Buyers Club" when traditional treatments prove ineffective. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner and Jared Leto, who all gave critically acclaimed performances. The film follows Woodroof's battle with the FDA and the drug companies to bring the alternative treatments to his fellow patients. It is a story of self-empowerment and fight for justice, as well as a period piece set in the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan
Rated R

My Left Foot is a biographical drama that follows the life of Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and only able to control his left foot, Christy is determined to lead a full and productive life. Through his determined and inspiring nature, Christy is able to overcome the limits of his disability and become a renowned author and painter. As Christy's career and relationships progress, we watch his inspiring journey of triumph over adversity. The movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Christy. It also features Ray McAnally, Brenda Fricker, and Fiona Shaw.

From Michael Haneke, starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud
Rated PG-13

Amour (2012) is an Academy Award-winning French-language film directed by Michael Haneke. The film follows an elderly couple, Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne (Emmanuelle Riva), who are retired music teachers living in Paris. When Anne suffers a stroke, Georges is forced to become her full-time caretaker, but his devotion is tested as Anne's health deteriorates, and she gradually loses her ability to communicate and recognize her husband. Throughout the film, Georges must grapple with the decision of whether or not to put Anne in a hospital, as he struggles to keep her in the home they shared for so many years. Amour is a tender exploration of love and mortality, and the strength of a marriage in the face of tragedy.

From Woody Allen, starring Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Bill Bernstein, Claire Bloom
Rated PG-13

Crimes and Misdemeanors is a 1989 black comedy drama directed by Woody Allen. The film follows the story of Judah Rosenthal (played by Martin Landau), a well respected doctor who must grapple with the moral consequences of his actions when he becomes involved in a crime to silence a blackmailer (played by Wallace Shawn). Meanwhile, Cliff Stern (played by Woody Allen), a documentary filmmaker struggling to make a living, must deal with his own moral dilemmas when his career and personal life take a turn for the worse. As the two storylines intersect, both men must confront the consequences of their decisions and come to terms with the idea that justice is not always served. The film features an outstanding cast, including Mia Farrow, Anjelica Huston, Alan Alda, and Sam Waterston.

From Sydney Pollack, starring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, Susannah York, Gig Young
Rated M

"They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is a 1969 drama directed by Sydney Pollack. Set in a Depression-era dance marathon contest, the film follows a disparate group of desperate people competing for the grand prize of $1,500. Among the contestants are Robert Syverton (Michael Sarrazin) and Gloria Beatty (Jane Fonda). The two form a partnership and develop feelings for each other, while the other contestants face moral dilemmas and physical exhaustion. As the contest progresses, the cruelty and despair become unbearable, eventually leading to the tragic climax. Along the way, the audience is given a glimpse into the lives of the participants and a deep exploration of the human condition.

From Penny Marshall, starring Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner, Ruth Nelson
Rated PG-13

Awakenings is a 1990 American drama film directed by Penny Marshall, based on the 1973 memoir of the same name by neurologist Oliver Sacks. The film stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams and Julie Kavner. It tells the real-life story of British neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, who administers an experimental drug to catatonic patients who survived the 1918–19 influenza pandemic in an attempt to wake them from their decades-long slumber. The film follows Dr. Sacks as he works to treat the patients, leading to unexpected changes and emotional breakthroughs for their families. Ultimately, the patients face a difficult decision: whether or not to return to their dormant state or to stay awake and experience life for the first time in decades.

From Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman
Rated PG-13

Philadelphia is an Academy Award-winning drama starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, directed by Jonathan Demme. The film tells the story of a lawyer, Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) who is fired from his law firm after they discover he is gay and has AIDS. He decides to sue, enlisting the help of Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), an African American lawyer who initially refuses to take the case. As the case progresses, Joe and Andrew develop a friendship, and Joe begins to understand the prejudice and discrimination that Andrew faces. Through it all, Andrew continues to fight for justice and ultimately wins his case.

From James Marsh, starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior, Sophie Perry
Rated PG-13

The Theory of Everything is a biopic of the life of Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s most renowned physicists. Directed by James Marsh, it focuses on Hawking’s personal life and remarkable scientific achievements, beginning with his diagnosis of motor neuron disease and his life at Cambridge University. The film follows Hawking as he discovers his groundbreaking theories of time and the universe and his journey to become the most famous scientist of the 21st century. With the help of his devoted wife, Jane, Hawking is able to defy the odds and excel in a field of science that few could comprehend. Ultimately, the film is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the will to push beyond one’s limitations.

From Kevin Macdonald, starring James McAvoy, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington
Rated R

The Last King of Scotland is a 2006 British historical drama directed by Kevin Macdonald. The film tells the story of Nicholas Garrigan, a young Scottish doctor who travels to Uganda in the 1970s and becomes the personal physician and confidante of the African nation's dictator, Idi Amin. Despite Amin's charm and friendliness, Garrigan soon discovers that the dictator is a ruthless and brutal tyrant, and realizes that he is in over his head. As Amin's violent behavior escalates and his power grows, Garrigan is forced to confront his own moral dilemmas in order to survive. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Giles Foden.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes
Rated R

The Skin I Live In is a psychological thriller by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. The movie follows the story of Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas), a successful plastic surgeon who has created a revolutionary new skin grafting technique. After his wife's suicide, Robert kidnaps Vera (Elena Anaya) and locks her up in his mansion, where he begins to experiment on her with his new invention. He has designed a special synthetic skin which makes the wearer virtually indestructible, but Robert's true motivations are much darker and more complex. As the movie progresses, the audience discovers the shocking truth about Vera's identity and Robert's past. The Skin I Live In is a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking film, boasting a brilliant performance from both Banderas and Anaya.

From Georges Franju, starring Pierre Brasseur, Alida Valli, Juliette Mayniel, Alexandre Rignault
Rated Not Rated

Eyes Without a Face is a French horror film from 1960, directed by Georges Franju. The film follows Dr. Genessier, a brilliant surgeon who is haunted by a terrible accident he caused that disfigured his daughter, Christiane. In order to give her a new face, he begins to kidnap young women and perform experimental transplants on them, with disastrous results. When Christiane's fiancé, Edouard, begins to investigate the disappearances, he uncovers the shocking truth. Eyes Without a Face is a haunting exploration of guilt and responsibility, and a powerful commentary on the ethics of scientific progress.

From Steven Soderbergh, starring Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jacob Vargas
Rated R

Traffic is an American crime drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Stephen Gaghan. It is an ensemble piece examining the United States' drug war from several perspectives. The film stars Michael Douglas, Benicio del Toro, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzmán, Dennis Quaid, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film follows a wide variety of characters, including a well-intentioned Mexican police officer trying to stem the flow of drugs from Mexico into the United States, an idealistic American judge appointed as the new drug czar, a ruthless drug lord, and a wealthy family caught up in the drug trade. The film won four Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Screenplay, and was nominated for four more.

From Directors: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland, starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth
Rated PG-13

Still Alice is a 2014 drama film directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland. It stars Julianne Moore as Alice Howland, a linguistics professor at Columbia University who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. As Alice struggles to come to terms with her diagnosis, she begins to lose her memories and identity, as well as her sense of self. At the same time, her family must come to terms with the fact that Alice's life will never be the same again. Through Alice's journey, she finds strength and resilience in discovering who she is despite her diagnosis. The film received positive reviews, and Julianne Moore's performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress.

From Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Montgomery Clift, Albert Dekker
Rated Approved

Suddenly, Last Summer is a 1959 American drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Katherine Hepburn. The film centers around Catherine Holly (Taylor), whose beloved cousin Sebastian recently died under mysterious circumstances in Spain. Catherine begins to tell her story of Sebastian’s death to her aunt, Mrs. Venable (Hepburn). Mrs. Venable does not want to hear what Catherine has to say, as it contradicts the version of events that she has concocted to protect her family's reputation. To prevent Catherine from telling her story, Mrs. Venable has her committed to an insane asylum and attempts to have her lobotomized. Dr. Cukrowicz (Clift) is assigned to the case, and he begins to investigate the truth behind Sebastian's death. Through Catherine's storytelling and Dr. Cukrowicz's investigation, it is revealed that Sebastian was killed by a gang of street boys after being lured away on a wild and lurid trip. Ultimately, Dr. Cukrowicz frees Catherine and helps her to confront the truth of her cousin's death. The film ends with Catherine's acceptance of Sebastian's death, and

From John Curran, starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Catherine An
Rated PG-13

From Robert Altman, starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman
Rated R

From Lasse Hallström, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo
Rated PG-13

From Adrian Lyne, starring Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven
Rated R

From Fernando Meirelles, starring Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Hubert Koundé
Rated R

From Stephen Frears, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Audrey Tautou, Sophie Okonedo, Kriss Dosanjh
Rated R