jackmronner The film could have stood on its own had it simply been a compelling account of the genesis of an historic, baby-saving surgical procedure. Its treatment of the racial dimension renders it an important film, to match the importance of the lives upon which it was based. From a purely filmic perspective, the disparity of experience and eminence as between Alan Rickman and Mos Def in the acting domain, is beautifully mirrored in the relationship between the Doctor and Vivien. We watch as Mos/Vivien rises in our esteem, as their unlooked-for skill reveals itself in the operating and movie theaters. The subtle, almost off-handed, treatment of the prejudice that obtained at that time in history reveals that racist systems can only exist when the injustices are almost invisible to those on either side of the divide; accepted as a matter of course a hundred times a day. So many of the greatest scenes in this movie involve what is left unsaid, from stifled outrage to touchingly laconic "regrets". The highly emotional (for me - every time I see it) quality of this film is that the viewer knows that now the injustices portrayed are no longer invisible, and that what was unsaid to Vivien for so long was finally said, both in his recognition as a pioneer in real life and the tribute that was this film about a life that, appropriately, speaks for itself.

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

jimmmgen Vivien Thomas co-authored an excellent book, entitled "Partners of the Heart," in which he chronicled his experiences in helping to develop the surgical treatment for "blue baby" syndrome. Toward that end, the movie accurately depicted Thomas and Blalock experimenting on dogs.What the movie did not depict, however, but which Dr. Thomas himself movingly documents in his book, is that in his later years he went on to pioneer open heart surgery for dogs. In fact, veterinarians from around the country would retain him to perform surgery on canines with a variety of heart problems. In a sense, Dr. Thomas gave something back to the creatures that had served him so well in the laboratory.

valleyjohn Back in November i made a sweeping statement that rappers cannot act . After making that statement a myspace friend (opiniohaver) told me to have a look at " Something the Lord Made " and check out the acting of rapper Mos Def . I have done and it have got to admit i was wrong because Mos Def was superb . In fact he's better than his highly experienced co star Alan Rickman. Alfred Blalock is chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, where he is pioneering new techniques in heart surgery. Blalock makes the acquaintance of Vivien Thomas , a carpenter hired to work at the University, and to his surprise discovers a man of keen intelligence who has a great interest in medicine. However, as a poor black man in the Jim Crow South, Thomas lacks the financial resources to obtain a medical degree, though he certainly has the knowledge and the desire. Blalock takes Thomas on as his lab assistant, and together they develop a technique that allows them to correct a common congenital heart defect in children. However, while they work side by side in the lab and in the operating room, Blalock and Thomas do not walk the same paths in society, and Thomas develops a deep resentment that he has been given little credit for his contribution to a medical innovation that makes Blalock famousNot only is Mos Def's display good the film is really good too. I'm always a little weary of films made for TV or Cable . They sometimes look a little cheap and they don't usually get much critical acclaim. To be fair films made for HBO are usually the exception and What the Lord Made can sit along side most mainstream movies and hold it's head up high.It is quite an emotional movie that focuses a lot on the fact that Thomas did not receive the acclaim he deserved for the medical breakthrough in heart surgery from his boss or from the medical fraternity .When he finally received the credit he deserves , his mentor ( or was he the mentor?) was long gone.Its not made clear as to why Blalock did not give Thomas any credit when he was receiving accolades from his fellow doctors . I'm sure he wasn't racist , unlike some of his colleagues . perhaps he felt that they would not respect him as match if he credited a black man? I don't suppose we will ever know.The film has some really interesting news reel clips of what was happening with the race and student riots back in the early sixties and they only add to what is an enjoyable , informative movie.This film won three Emmy's and was nominated for two Golden Globes. That says it all.At least i know now that there is one rapper who can act but are there any more?7 out of 10