Watch Shattered Dreams

Shattered Dreams is a 1990 drama television movie inspired by a true story that explores the emotional and legal battle of a family against a hospital that wrongfully caused their daughter's brain damage during childbirth. Directed by Robert Iscove and written by Robert L. Freedman, the movie stars Lindsay Wagner, Michael Nouri, and Georgann Johnson in leading roles.

The story revolves around the character of Kate Reese (Lindsay Wagner), a devoted wife and mother who is thrilled about the upcoming arrival of her third baby. However, during the delivery, the doctor mistakenly administers too much anesthesia to Kate, causing the baby's oxygen supply to be cut off. As a result, their daughter Jennifer is born with cerebral palsy and is left with severe brain damage.

Kate's husband, Matt (Michael Nouri), a good-natured carpenter, is devastated by the news of his daughter's condition and becomes determined to seek justice by holding the hospital accountable for their negligence. However, Kate, who is also a nurse, is hesitant at first to go up against the hospital, as she fears her career would be negatively affected.

As the couple battles with their own emotions and the legal system, Kate finds herself increasingly frustrated with her husband's obsession with winning the case. Having known Peter Woodland, a lawyer, since childhood, Matt hires him to take on their case, but his involvement leads to complications, and their marriage begins to suffer.

Aside from focusing on the family's lawsuit against the hospital, the film also explores themes of marital conflict, forgiveness, and sacrifice. After two years of fighting, the couple finally receives a settlement from the hospital, albeit less than they had hoped for. The movie ends with a bittersweet but uplifting conclusion, as the family comes to terms with their new reality while striving to move forward with their lives.

The lead actors, Lindsay Wagner and Michael Nouri, deliver captivating performances, bringing depth and complexity to their respective characters. Wagner shines as Kate, showcasing her ability to convey raw and powerful emotions with ease. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to cope with their daughter's condition is heart-wrenching and realistic. Nouri, on the other hand, shows excellent chemistry with Wagner, and his portrayal of a loving husband who is overwhelmed by the injustice of the situation is both moving and convincing.

The supporting cast also does an impressive job, with Georgann Johnson portraying Kate's mother-in-law, who provides emotional support to the family through their ordeal. Additionally, Paul Sorvino delivers a strong and poignant portrayal of Dr. Lindstrom, the obstetrician who is initially at fault for the wrongful delivery.

Shattered Dreams is a compelling film that touches upon the complex issues surrounding medical malpractice and its ramifications for families. The movie is beautifully directed, and the cinematography captures the emotional intensity of the characters' struggles. The script is well-written, and the dialogue is poignant and realistic, which makes the film emotionally affecting and highly relatable.

Overall Shattered Dreams is an excellent movie that will resonate with anyone who has been affected by medical malpractice or knows someone who has. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the impact they can have on others. The film's central message of forgiveness and moving forward despite adversity is inspiring, and it encourages viewers to do the same in their own lives.

Shattered Dreams is a 1990 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.