Watch Whose Life Is It Anyway?

Whose Life Is It Anyway? is a thought-provoking medical drama film released in 1981. Directed by John Badham, the movie features Richard Dreyfuss in a powerful performance as a sculptor named Ken Harrison who has been paralyzed from the neck down in an accident. The story delves into the moral, ethical, and legal issues surrounding patient autonomy, euthanasia, and the right to die.

The movie begins with Ken Harrison getting stuck in a paralyzed state and confined to a hospital bed for the rest of his life with the help of machines, chemicals, and a team of medical professionals. Initially, he tries to convince himself that he can bear the pain and live life as it is, but soon he realizes that he wants to die on his own terms. Ken starts a legal battle to demand his right to die, but the hospital staff, his doctors, and his family refuse to grant him his wish, citing medical ethics and religious beliefs.

As the movie progresses, we see the primary conflict between Ken and the hospital staff, particularly his head nurse (played by Christine Lahti) and his doctor (played by John Cassavetes), over the fate of his life. The nurse tries to convince Ken to see the good things in life and give up his suicidal thoughts, while the doctor tries to persuade him to change his mind by showing him the possibilities of new medical breakthroughs that might cure him. Ken, however, remains firm in his decision; he wants to go to Switzerland where physician-assisted suicide is legal.

The tension between Ken and the hospital staff continues to mount until the case becomes a media frenzy, with reporters and politicians weighing in on the debate. Meanwhile, Ken's family also gets involved, adding to the emotional turmoil he is already feeling. His girlfriend, played by Kaki Hunter, is the only one who supports his decision to die and accompanies him on his legal battle.

The performances of the actors are remarkable, particularly Dreyfuss, who carries the heavy burden of playing a man trapped in his own body with sensitivity and nuance. Lahti, as the sympathetic nurse, provides a much-needed counterpoint to Ken's emotional outbursts, while Cassavetes, as the cold and stoic doctor, is convincing in his performance as a professional who has to make tough and controversial decisions.

The film's exploration of the themes of patient autonomy, euthanasia, and the right to die remains relevant to this day. The moral and ethical debates that Ken's case raises are timely and thought-provoking, and the film does not shy away from portraying both sides of the argument. Whose Life Is It Anyway? provides a clear message about the importance of personal choice and autonomy in the face of life's harsh realities.

Overall, Whose Life Is It Anyway? is a powerful and moving film that raises important questions about the difficult and complex issues surrounding life and death. With its stellar performances, compelling story, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-see movie that challenges its viewers to think deeply about their own beliefs and values.

Whose Life Is It Anyway? is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.