“The English Patient”, 1996
Director: Anthony Minghella
Set during World War II, this film tells the tale of a mysterious man severely burned in a plane crash and his care by a dedicated nurse in an Italian monastery, exploring themes of love, loss, and the past.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Juliette Binoche, Colin Firth, Willem Dafoe, Naveen Andrews, Julian Wadham, Jürgen Prochnow, Kevin Whately, Clive Merrison;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 162 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The English Patient” on the website imdb.com
“Wit”, 2001
Director: Mike Nichols
This TV movie portrays a university professor going through experimental treatment for stage IV ovarian cancer. Nurse Susie is instrumental in providing comfort and humanity within the clinical, impersonal environment of medical treatment.
Starring: Emma Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, Eileen Atkins, Audra McDonald, Jonathan M. Woodward, Harold Pinter, Rebecca Laurie, Su Lin Looi, Raffaello Degruttola, Miquel Brown;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 99 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Wit” on the website imdb.com
“Pearl Harbor”, 2001
Director: Michael Bay
While primarily a war film, it also provides a glimpse into the role of nurses during times of conflict, highlighting their bravery and the critical support they provide in dire circumstances.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alec Baldwin, Jon Voight, Colm Feore, Tom Sizemore, Ewen Bremner, Michael Shannon;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: war, drama, action, melodrama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 183 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Pearl Harbor” on the website imdb.com
“Precious”, 2009
Director: Lee Daniels
In this drama, a nurse plays a vital role in supporting the protagonist, a teenage girl facing immense personal challenges, showing the impact healthcare professionals can make beyond physical treatment.
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz, Stephanie Andujar, Chyna Layne, Amina Robinson, Xosha Roquemore;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Precious” on the website imdb.com
“Nurse Betty”, 1999
Director: Neil LaBute
Although more of a dark comedy and far from a realistic portrayal of nursing, it follows a woman who suffers a trauma and thereafter believes she is a nurse, showcasing the profession in a central, if fantasized, role.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Renée Zellweger, Chris Rock, Greg Kinnear, Aaron Eckhart, Tia Texada, Crispin Glover, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Allison Janney, Kathleen Wilhoite;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
“Call the Midwife”, 2012
Director: Sydney Macartney, David O'Neill, Juliet May, Philippa Lowthorpe
Though technically a TV series, it's worthy of mention for its in-depth exploration of nursing and midwifery in the 1950s and 1960s London, reflecting the evolution of medical practices and the role of women in healthcare.
Starring: Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Bryony Hannah, Miranda Hart, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Vanessa Redgrave;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
More information about the film “Call the Midwife” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, contribute to the diverse portrayal of nurses in cinema, offering viewers a mix of realistic and dramatized insights into the profession. Whether through historical accounts, true-to-life dramas, or even fictionalized representations, these stories celebrate the essential work of nurses and their commitment to patient care.
In conclusion, films about nurses have carved a unique niche within the cinematic landscape, portraying the sacrifices, resilience, and compassion that define the nursing profession. Through their stories, we are given intimate glimpses into the complexities and challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. These films not only celebrate the heroism of nurses but also highlight the human spirit's capacity for empathy and strength in the face of adversity. As society continues to evolve, so too will the portrayal of nurses on the silver screen, ensuring that the invaluable contributions of these healthcare heroes remain in the forefront of our collective consciousness. Whether through stirring drama, lighthearted comedy, or poignant realism, films about nurses provide a much-needed reminder of the critical role that these professionals play in our lives, making these movies essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the heart and soul of nursing.
