SlyGuy21 It's no surprise that Jack was a controversial figure, he had a different mindset from the majority of society in a time still shrouded in old superstition. You could call him a lot of things, (I know the media sure did) but I choose to call him an activist. I don't want to use the word "martyr" because to me that implies that he put himself on a pedestal. It's interesting how in the next 40 years or so, what Jack set into motion could be realized, if not at least advanced somewhat. I guess you could say this is one-sided, but to me, the only side is Jack's. I'm not saying that opposition to euthanasia is dumb or stupid or anything like that, but put yourself in these patient's shoes. Would you want to have constant pain as the result of an illness until you died? I wouldn't. Would you want to slowly forget everything you've ever known and loved, and then die? I wouldn't. I know that the opposition has it's roots based in religion and "playing God", but beings I don't believe in God, that argument isn't valid to me. The politics aside though, this movie is very well acted, very well shot, and a very good story, give it a try, it might even open your eyes or introduce you to a new viewpoint.

A_Different_Drummer This is one of those rare hi-impact, makes-you-squirm-while-watching films that cannot be reviewed on its own without commenting on the underlying social issues. So here we go: THE MOVIE Directed by Barry Levinson (one of the top directors of the last century) and starring one of the top actors of the last century giving one of the best performances of his career (understated and self-aware, NOT the over-the-top Pacino we have come to expect) ... was there ever any doubt? The only oddity that this reviewer found is that Pacino's agency still uses 40-year-old photos of him in their PR kits, so a novice (think, alien film reviewer from another planet) looking at this film for the first time might spend the length of the film trying to find the lead actor identified in the kit ... and never locate him.Brilliant, touching, revealing, and horrifying. In other words, a perfect reflection of what passes for intelligent civilization in our world.THE SOCIAL GESTALT For the first time, the script makes it clear that the lawyers acting for the state TOOK IT AS A PERSONAL AFFRONT that Dr. K was so forthright about what he had done ... and why ... and MADE IT THEIR PERSONAL MISSION to bring him down ... and USED A TECHNICALITY IN THE LAW (adjusting the indictment to a one narrow charge, a charge which could not be defended by a full look at the surrounding facts, as one might otherwise expect in a capital case).Which pretty much summarizes how our Justice system works. Forget the theories they teach in law school, forget the statue of the lady with the blindfold over her eyes, when they REALLY WANT TO GET YOU, they are going to get you.

chaos-rampant This is a remarkable little movie in its odd way. You have a man who wanted to change the world for the better, a doctor. He had some reasonable but gnarly ideas, including blood transfusion from cadavers. He may not had been Galileo as perhaps in his moments of persecution felt some kinship to, but he did argue for reason and science and tried to make life better.The snag is that he had vision of a sort but he was the worst possible guy to explain to the world. No one would listen until he went out on his own and did it. And the only reason anyone listened was because he made films about it, filmed his patients. So how about this for a deeply cinematic subject?The point is that reason, facts or ideas, do not change the world. Being able to present it as part of an appealing story does.You'll see this in the film for a clear effect, in Kevorkian having sound ideas but no one is really willing to be convinced, since he presents them in such a morbid , confrontational way, until he pulls out his films. It is the emotional story in those films that moves the jurors, the theatrics of conscience on display.The film is the same theatrics offering the same cry. We are the jury.Al Pacino was just the right man for the job - playing a favorite part of aging actors, the frazzled old person, he nails the right balance between visionary flame in earnest and slumping human shell in his baggy pants. DeNiro would not manage, not anymore.

Meroujan Oundjian I honestly love, as an Armenian that my favourite actor in the whole world!!! no other than Al Pacino chooses to play Jack Kevorkian.Not only does Al Pacino play Jack Kevorkian impeccably, but shows the endearing and off beat visionary Jack Kevorkian was.And hearing the words Armenian Holocaust, literally brought a tear to my eyes.. Hearing the truth in the major media is such a victory for me and us all really...no one can imagine the pain and hardships the Young Turks put the Armenian's through. Jack hearing of all these horrors from a very young age, that people are being walked in circles and fatigued to death by the Turks.Kevorkian in my opinion was simply making sure that no one should have to go through life if they do not want to. metaphorically, I think, he didn't want people to suffer and be walking into the darkness slowly into complete unhappiness or death just like the Armenian's had to. to be given the biggest personal choice any person can make, to commit suicide or continue dragging through an unbearable life.Of course I know most people will not agree with his method but I personally believe that euthanasia is simply a small but important part of our health system's future a good and humane thing to do if done in the correct setting and with the correct advice.Al Pacino 10/10 Film 10/10Without Al Pacino I Would Give It An 8/10 But That's Just A Personal Opppinion.Don't Miss Out On This Gem!!!