Watch A Doctor's Sword

A Doctor's Sword is a 2015 documentary film directed by Gary Lennon that follows the incredible story of Aidan MacCarthy, an Irish doctor who served in World War II. The film is narrated by his daughter Nicola MacCarthy and features interviews with her and her family, as well as historians, archivists, and survivors of the war. The documentary opens with archival footage of Aidan MacCarthy's childhood in rural Ireland and his education at University College Cork where he studied medicine. When World War II broke out, MacCarthy signed up to serve with the Royal Air Force as a medical officer.

As the war progressed, MacCarthy was stationed in Singapore where he was captured by the Japanese army after the fall of the city. He and his fellow prisoners were forced to endure the grueling conditions of the Changi Prison camp, where they were subjected to malnutrition, disease, and brutal beatings.

Despite the odds against him, MacCarthy managed to survive his time in captivity by using his medical skills to treat his fellow prisoners. He even managed to save the lives of some of his captors, which earned him their respect and protection.

One of the most remarkable aspects of MacCarthy's story is how he managed to keep a sword, known as a katana, that he had acquired from a Japanese officer during his time in captivity. The weapon became a symbol of his survival and, after the war, he brought it back to his hometown of Castletownbere in Ireland.

The documentary explores how the sword became a treasured family heirloom, as well as a symbol of MacCarthy's resilience and courage. It also delves into the historical context of the sword, including how it was created and its significance in Japanese culture.

After the war, MacCarthy returned to Ireland and resumed his medical career. He later wrote a memoir about his experiences, which was published in 1949. The documentary features readings from his memoir as well as archival footage of MacCarthy discussing his time in captivity.

Overall, A Doctor's Sword is a moving tribute to the life and legacy of Aidan MacCarthy. The film manages to combine historical context with personal anecdotes to create a compelling portrait of a remarkable man. Nicola MacCarthy's narration is particularly poignant, as she reflects on her father's bravery and the impact of his experiences on his family's life. This is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in World War II history or the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.

A Doctor's Sword is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.