Patch Adams Movie Review:
Patch Adams is a 1998 semi-biographical American film. It is based on the life of Dr. Hunter Patch Adams. Directed by Tom Shadyac, the movie stars effervescent Robin Williams in the lead role. Besides featuring Daniel London, Monica Potter, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in supporting roles.
With a good screenplay and and high-quality acting by the cast, Patch Adams is an absolute delight to watch. I particularly enjoyed the music and background score; it is beautiful and goes with the theme of the movie.
Before we jump to discuss the “Criticism”, the movie received over the period of time since its release, let’s have a look at its plot.
Storyline/Plot of Patch Adams:
Patch Adams is a man fighting depression and tries to end his life; there too he fails miserably. He voluntarily admits himself to a mental asylum. There he is touched by the despairing lives of patients and apathy of doctors towards them. At this point in his life, Patch thinks that he now has a “goal” in his dejected life–to become a doctor and help others who are suffering. He leaves asylum for a medical college after confronting with the supervisor.
At college, Patch becomes the top student despite being fairly aged compared to his fellow students. Gradually he makes friends at the college and subsequently starts his own clinic (without any proper Government and Medical Board’s approval). Patch’s life shatters when his close friend, Carin (Monica Potter) is killed by a psychopath. After this incident, Patch leaves everything despite his friends’ disapproval. He again tries to end his life but Monica’s memories give him a new spirit to complete his studies and continue the clinic.
Things take an ugly turn for Patch Adams as he is debarred from the college on charges of prescribing medicines without license. In the climax, he defends himself against the council and wins their trust to complete his studies. The film ends here!
Patch Adams movie has its funny, witty, and emotional moments that make it a must watch for any cinema lover. The last scene, where Patch Adams defends his case against the Medical Council is the best scene of this movie. It is perhaps one of the best acted piece of Robin Williams’ illustrious cinema career.
My Rating & Verdict of the Movie:
I am giving this movie a 9 out of 10, despite its flawed and deviated storyline (from the actual life of Dr. Hunter). The reason is quite simple; Patch Adams is a movie that delivers the message it want to convey in an absolutely fantastic cinematic way.
There are people who would strongly disapprove the idea of ‘treating patients with love and friendship’. But as far as I am concerned, I believe that Dr. Patch Adams’ ideas can make a huge difference to the normal “doctor-patient” relationship.
Patch Adams Trivia:
Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., a 2003 Sanjay Dutt starring Bollywood movie seems closely inspired by Patch Adams movie. However, its director reportedly told media that he hasn’t seen the movie before the release of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. Quite interesting, right? Once you see both the movies you will realize the similarities between them.
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