NateWatchesCoolMovies
Yes, Patch Adams is a pile of sentimental mush. Yeah, the filmmakers took severe liberties with the source material until their protagonist scarcely resembled the fellow they based him on. Sure, it's soppy to all hell. My thoughts on all of the above: So freakin what. None of that has stopped me from loving the film growing up as a kid, and continuing to do so these days too. The message it delivers and the values it supports can be relatable to anyone in any walk of life, not just the medical field. Robin Williams had his demons, but he could be the brightest beacon of love and optimism a lot of the time, and he carries that wonderfully throughout the film. Patch Adams is a manic depressive, deeply sad man who finds his calling in the field of medicine following an epiphany involving a fellow patient (Michael Jeter, always great) at the psychiatric facility he is staying in. Upon enrolling in medical school he finds the cold, clinical atmosphere of his field uninviting. Patch is a vibrant soul who wishes to combat illness and despair not just with medicine, but a healthy dose of humour, empathy and the readiness to listen to your patient, think outside the box and have compassion. His methods are seen as unorthodox, especially by the college dean (Bob Gunton), whose ass is so tight that when he farts only dogs hear it. Patch both struggles and triumphs, finding solace and inspiration in daily interaction with patients, and hits walls with his superiors, who neither trust nor understand his ways. It's always an uphill journey for any sort of pioneer, but he soldiers on, aided by William's remarkable work. Patch starts his own independent clinic along with fellow student and girlfriend Carin (the lovely and very underrated Monica Potter), and life is good. But it's never safe from tragedy, as we tearfully bear witness to in a plot turn that will rip out your heart and huck it off a cliff. Patch is undeterred though, adamant in his quest to bring light, levity and love into the lives of the people he works with, regardless of how much time they have left on this earth, or who tells him what he should and shouldn't do. That's essentially what the story is about: helping others any way you can. That extends beyond simply trying to cure their disease, remove a tumor, prescribe a medication or diagnose an illness in a dry, detached manner. It's about alleviating suffering not only with the tools of your practice, but with those of your heart and soul as well. Patch knows this, and won't back down from the good fight. Bless his heart, and William's too, for a performance of warmth and affection. Watch for work from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josef Sommer, Ryan Hurst, Richard Kelly, Harve Presnell, Daniel London, Irma P. Hall, Barry Shabaka Henley, Alan Tudyuk and and excellent Peter Coyote as a stubborn cancer patient. There's naysayers galore buzzing around this film like gnats. Swat 'em harshly, and don't let 'em get you down. Those of us who appreciate the film know what's up.
Predrag
This is what the world should be like... an amazing presentaion of human expresion brought forward and focused on bonding with others, with what? a simple smile and a few moments of conversation - Not out for personal gain, merely to make others smile and make them feel sound in themselves. after all health is more important at the end of the day..." to make one smile" is Robins god given gift and with his warm heart he has concocted an ideal man/person we should all try to become... forget fancy cars, posh night out eatings etc... take a few moments to look a round and try to get to know the people beside you, to bond for a few moments can make those around you feel welcome and magically warm and healthy inside..." Patch Adams is a gem in any film collection, it's funny, sad, truthful and a great film. There are twists and turns when everything seems simple and on the right track, and at parts when disaster strikes it can't help but bring tears to your eyes. Patch Adams is a beautiful film, well made, well written and all the actors perform to perfection especially Robin Williams who will make his way into your heart.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.
Eva Brandt
I like the start of the movie where Patch Adams has committed himself into a psychiatric hospital. While he is in there he finds out that he can turn illness into humor. So he leaves the hospital to be a doctor. I like the turning the movie takes, because it show that if you want something you can achieve it. The period after he starts on Virgina medical University to become a doctor, is a turning point for Patch, you can see that he is struggling with different issues. Having a roommate who does not like him, and chasing after a girl named Carin, who does not show him any affection in the beginning. It gives a good insight in the reality, that you don't get everything in the beginning.I love the part where he is fooling around in the hospital, to make children happy. you can see that he is committed to what he does. He meets a lot of resistance from the dean, but it does not knocks him out. He fights for it. I also really like the part where he gets the house and start the Gesundheit institute, his dream is starting to be a realize. I also like the passion that occurs between Patch and Carin, the passion that goes from no affection, to totally affection is lovely to see, you can see how Carin gives herself to Patch, and that is very touching to see. You can see that they really love each other. Robin Williams acting in this movie is marvelous. He plays the role so amazing, I felt captured from the start to the beginning.
