Patch Adams

1998 "Laughter is contagious."
6.8| 1h55m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 25 December 1998 Released
Producted By: Universal Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

The true story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, who in the 1970s found that humor is the best medicine, and was willing to do just anything to make his patients laugh—even if it meant risking his own career.

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Reviews

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation
Mabel Munoz Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
Clarissa Mora The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.
Aneesa Wardle The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
zkonedog There are some true-life tales that go beyond the standard fare to uplift and inspire viewers. The story of Hunter "Patch" Adams, despite a bit of contrived theatrics, is exactly that sort of film.For a basic plot summary, this movie tells the story of Mr. Adams, beginning with his time in a mental institution for suicidal thoughts. However, after a life-changing experience in that facility, Patch decides to devote his life to helping people, choosing medicine as his vehicle. The rest of the film focuses on Patch's time in medical school, including his "unorthodox" (treat the patient, not the disease) approach that bucks the standard, as well as the free medical clinic he starts out of his own home after being sickened by the medical bureaucracy.Whichever way you shake it, the Patch Adams story is one of hope and inspiration. At times, director Tom Shadyac goes a bit too over-the-top for my tastes, but for some it will help to hammer home the point.In terms of casting, it is Robin Williams' movie to carry, and he does so admirably with his unique brand of humor and character. Some of the other casting decisions (like Philip Seymour Hoffman as a med. student) were a bit sketchy, but Williams steals the show from the opening act.Thus, I would recommend this movie to all but the most hardened cynics (who might not appreciate some of the theatrics). It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer in equal proportions.
NateWatchesCoolMovies Yes, Patch Adams is a pile of sentimental mush. Yeah, the filmmakers took severe liberties with the source material until their protagonist scarcely resembled the fellow they based him on. Sure, it's soppy to all hell. My thoughts on all of the above: So freakin what. None of that has stopped me from loving the film growing up as a kid, and continuing to do so these days too. The message it delivers and the values it supports can be relatable to anyone in any walk of life, not just the medical field. Robin Williams had his demons, but he could be the brightest beacon of love and optimism a lot of the time, and he carries that wonderfully throughout the film. Patch Adams is a manic depressive, deeply sad man who finds his calling in the field of medicine following an epiphany involving a fellow patient (Michael Jeter, always great) at the psychiatric facility he is staying in. Upon enrolling in medical school he finds the cold, clinical atmosphere of his field uninviting. Patch is a vibrant soul who wishes to combat illness and despair not just with medicine, but a healthy dose of humour, empathy and the readiness to listen to your patient, think outside the box and have compassion. His methods are seen as unorthodox, especially by the college dean (Bob Gunton), whose ass is so tight that when he farts only dogs hear it. Patch both struggles and triumphs, finding solace and inspiration in daily interaction with patients, and hits walls with his superiors, who neither trust nor understand his ways. It's always an uphill journey for any sort of pioneer, but he soldiers on, aided by William's remarkable work. Patch starts his own independent clinic along with fellow student and girlfriend Carin (the lovely and very underrated Monica Potter), and life is good. But it's never safe from tragedy, as we tearfully bear witness to in a plot turn that will rip out your heart and huck it off a cliff. Patch is undeterred though, adamant in his quest to bring light, levity and love into the lives of the people he works with, regardless of how much time they have left on this earth, or who tells him what he should and shouldn't do. That's essentially what the story is about: helping others any way you can. That extends beyond simply trying to cure their disease, remove a tumor, prescribe a medication or diagnose an illness in a dry, detached manner. It's about alleviating suffering not only with the tools of your practice, but with those of your heart and soul as well. Patch knows this, and won't back down from the good fight. Bless his heart, and William's too, for a performance of warmth and affection. Watch for work from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josef Sommer, Ryan Hurst, Richard Kelly, Harve Presnell, Daniel London, Irma P. Hall, Barry Shabaka Henley, Alan Tudyuk and and excellent Peter Coyote as a stubborn cancer patient. There's naysayers galore buzzing around this film like gnats. Swat 'em harshly, and don't let 'em get you down. Those of us who appreciate the film know what's up.
puncastle I guess this film is disliked by many primarily because the Patch Adams in the movie is nothing like the Patch Adams in real life, but does it really matter? The premise of the film is that it is based on a true story. Being based on something or someone does not necessarily mean that it is the exact carbon copy of that person or whatever. Anyhow, negativity-shaming aside, I'd like to point out why you must watch this beautiful piece of cinema.First of all, it is inspiring. Very inspiring. If there's still some humanity left in you, then you will truly find this inspiring. This movie is in the level of a film like Forrest Gump. The film manages to be riveting as well as funny. After all, the film being funny is part of its premise.Then, there's the film's soundtrack. Hell, the soundtrack sounds so beautiful that it rivals famous movie composers, such as, say John Williams. The score can make you feel happy, sad, or touched. It's really, really powerful.Lastly, there's the actors. I thought that they were all pretty decent in the roles they played, especially Robin Williams and Monica Potter (who also have good chemistry, in my opinion.) I thought that no one was acting in a wooden manner and all of them really gave it their all.In all, watch this movie. It's amazing, it's beautiful, and it's....Well, you get the point that it's a must-see. Rating: 10/10
Nani Raily I like the movie very much. It's really fascinating to watch a guy (doctor) who works really hard to entertain the patients. I like the way Patch's hard work, towards the people, how he made them laugh, even though they looked hopeless and was tired of everything. I like his thoughts and the way he believes towards the healing power of laughter. Patch knows exactly how to handle the patient. He knows, medicine is not only the method to get ride of illness. He knows the value of laugh. He makes fun of everything. But he knows how to make people laugh and also to be serious when it to be. It was really heart touching when Patch jumped, screamed and rolled around and made those innocent children laugh in the children's ward. Climax is super, where Patch gets be who he really wanted to become and children got theirs wanted entertainer doctor. It's good to know that Hollywood still can produce awesome movie with no sex and violence. This gave me an idea about how to get closed to patients instead of diseases. Patch's way of getting closed to patients is just genius. That's what Patch does in the movie, where he actually made patients laugh so easily and when that was not possible, he used another method for it and made them smile or laugh anyhow. After watching this movie, I get a clew about, what can I do, when I once come out in to this real world and work with people in upcoming days. I give 8 out of 10 stars.