Watch Making the Crooked Straight

Making the Crooked Straight is a remarkable documentary film that follows the life and work of a selfless man called Rick Hodes. Hodes is an American doctor and humanitarian who has dedicated his life to treating people with spinal diseases in Ethiopia. The movie was released in 2008 and directed by Susan Cohn Rockefeller. The film takes us on a journey through Hodes' work, his compassion, and his unrelenting commitment to the people living in Ethiopia. The documentary features footage of Hodes working with his patients, interviews with his colleagues and friends, and stories about the people he has helped to heal. The film is a poignant reminder of what one person can achieve when they have a passion and a vision.

One of the most amazing aspects of Making the Crooked Straight is the portrayal of the work that Hodes does with children suffering from spinal tuberculosis. The movie follows the cases of several children who have been brought to Hodes and his team of medical professionals with severe spinal deformities. These children require life-changing surgeries that are not available in Ethiopia. Hodes not only arranges for the surgeries to be done in Israel on a pro-bono basis but takes care of the children while they are recovering.

The camera captures the gratitude and joy of these children and their families after the surgeries; the children's ability to walk upright and their confidence to stand tall is moving. The simple act of giving these children their mobility back can truly transform lives.

Making the Crooked Straight is also a story of resilience and perseverance. In addition to the challenges of working in a low-resource setting, Hodes himself has also faced illness and personal tragedies. The film does not shy away from showing the emotional toll the work takes on Hodes. His sadness at losing a patient, his frustration at the slow progress of change, his worry about his adoptive children's medical needs in the US - they all show a human being committed to a mission and a people.

However, Hodes never loses his hope or his drive to create change in the world. The film shows how he uses his voice to advocate for his patients, seeking funds for surgeries, fighting with government officials for better health care, and trying to raise awareness of the plight of people with spinal diseases in Ethiopia. His relentless work has provided a voice not only for his patients but the community he serves.

The film also touches upon Hodes' adoption of five Ethiopian children who have severe medical challenges such as spinal tuberculosis or heart problems. This highlights how extraordinary Hodes is in not only dedicating his time to helping the people of Ethiopia but also committing his life to the well-being of five children in most need. Each child's backstory is poignantly presented, demonstrating the demands such medical conditions can have on families and the limited support that exists within Ethiopia.

Through his work and personal life, Hodes' love for Ethiopia shines through very strongly. The shots of the Ethiopian countryside and Hodes' interactions with locals (including his adopted children) provide a view of the country's beauty and its challenges. The film does an excellent job of capturing the connections Hodes has made with the people he is serving and working amongst. His, and his team's, ability to bridge cultural gaps and work with what exists shows the value of people like Hodes showing up for those in need.

In conclusion, Making the Crooked Straight is an inspiring documentary that shows the power of one individual's passion and commitment to making a difference in the world. The film demonstrates how Hodes has dedicated his life to helping people in Ethiopia with spinal deformities, worked with limited resources, and overcome personal tragedies. Through his work, he has empowered his patients to lead better and more fulfilling lives. Overall, the film is a touching tribute to a man whose selfless kindness and compassion have inspired many others to make a positive impact on the world.

Making the Crooked Straight is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.