Watch The Best of Men

The Best of Men is a compelling and heartwarming biographical drama that tells the inspiring story of a young surgeon who revolutionized the treatment of spinal cord injuries during World War II. The film is based on the true story of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany who fled to England and became the founder of the Paralympic Games.

The film is set in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, a military hospital in Buckinghamshire, England, where Dr. Guttmann (played by Eddie Marsan) is tasked with treating soldiers who have been paralyzed by their injuries. He is met with opposition from the doctors who believe that there is nothing that can be done for these patients and that they are better off being left to die. However, Dr. Guttmann is determined to help these patients and give them hope for the future.

Dr. Guttmann decides to organize a sports event for his patients, which he calls the Stoke Mandeville Games, to give them something to work towards and to show them that they can still achieve great things despite their injuries. The Games are a huge success, and the film shows the emotional impact that they have on the patients and their families.

The main character in the film is a fictional patient named Corporal Philip (played by George MacKay), a former Olympic hopeful who was left paralyzed after being shot in the spine during the war. Philip is initially resentful and angry about his situation, but he gradually learns to accept his injuries and to work towards building a new life for himself. He forms a close bond with Dr. Guttmann, who becomes a mentor and father figure to him.

The Best of Men also explores the relationship between Dr. Guttmann and his wife Mathilde (played by Bebe Sanders), who is also a refugee from Germany. Mathilde is supportive of her husband's work, but she is often worried about his safety and the safety of their family.

The film is beautifully shot and features stunning cinematography that captures the English countryside and the stark reality of life in a military hospital during wartime. The acting is superb, with Eddie Marsan giving a powerful performance as Dr. Guttmann, Bebe Sanders delivering a nuanced portrayal of his wife, and George MacKay bringing depth and humanity to the role of Corporal Philip.

Overall, The Best of Men is a touching and uplifting film that celebrates the human spirit and the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the courage and determination of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann and the patients he treated, and it will leave audiences feeling inspired and moved.

The Best of Men is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.