Best of Men

I knew nothing about the origins of the Paralympic Games or how, during World War II, soldiers with grievous spinal injuries were treated. Apparently, their treatment was primitive, at best.It was not until Dr. Ludwig Guttman, a German Jew, and neurologist and spinal specialist who made it out of Nazi Germany, was put to work in England, rehabilitating these seriously injured soldiers, did their care and treatment change. No longer would they just be left to die. He, literally, gave them their lives back and a future to which to look forward.This is a beautifully acted, gem of a movie. Edward Marsan in the lead role is simply fantastic. So, perfect was he in the role that ai could hardly believe he was British, rather than German. This is only of those rare, genuinely moving films that memorializes a little known bit of history, one that should never be forgotten.

Brilliantly cast with Eddie Marsan as lead character; the spine specialist whose seemingly unorthodox approach changes everything. A terrifically heart warming, inspiring and moving story. The events are factual, they tell the tale of what a single man can achieve; with nothing more than absolute belief in his own thoughts; that if he can raise courage and determination in men who had given up because others had written them off he could get them to want to live, and see a future where they are living and happy. One man, one mind, who gave 150 % of himself to build an atmosphere where nursing staff and physical therapists all have one belief system and that is encouragement, hope, life, love, inclusion and happiness. its truly a magnificent film. I am a huge fan of Eddie Marsan. He is absolutely brilliant, loveable and versatile. My goodness in Ray Donovan, I was simply blown away. i will not procrastinate for a while now. I have no excuse. This is a must see, true story, heart warming film. highly recommend.

Absolutely inspirational real life story that reminds us to be grateful for what we have and motivates to do better with whatever that is. Although certainly aware of para-competitions all the way to the Olympics I had never thought about how it all started. This movie tells that story and wow, what a story it is. Dr. Ludwig Guttman’s chutzpah, brilliance and tenacity changed treatment procedures for paralyzed patients and gave them back their lives. His belief that his patients were human beings created with capacity for great things in spite of injury transformed the way they thought of themselves which in turn changed the perception of their families, the medical community and the world. Eddie Marsan was outstanding as Dr. Guttman, Brydon, Niamh Cusack, Mackay and the entire cast gave performances that made this movie into a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend.

I love this movie AND to know that it's based on fact, makes it even more special! The true story how one Spine Specialist, as well as German during WWII which to many meant you were automatically a Nazi even if not true, who overcame racism against him and prejudice against his treatment methods. He helped so many men get their minds & body both mentally and physically better so they could have hope, help their pride and know they could either live independently or go home to their wives without feeling like a burden or feel helpless. I saw this on CPTV/PBS, as well as borrowing from my library, I'm so happy that I could have a copy of this dvd of my own to watch whenever on having a challenging day!

Based on actual events during and after WWII, the movie chronicles the roots of today's Paralympics. The story is heartening, the script, settings, and acting are excellent. Though it was made for TV, it is one of my all-time favorite movies.

I was nervous about the politics, by this is a story of individual triumph and the will to live not matter what people do to keep you down, or tell you that you are not capable of greatness. No victims here, just exceptional human beings that struggled, and are sometimes pushed, out of the pit of self pity. Best movie I have seen in a long time. On my list of all time favorite films.

Great story and done so well. I’m thankful that it has closed captioning incase I miss Amy of the dialogue because of the accent or terminology. I had seen it before and bought it just so I could watch it again with my husband and daughter.

What can I say! Yes this movie has misery but the courage to rise above it. That is what is inspiring! What fortitude it must have taken to see their world and not give up. Thanks to Dr. Guttman, they see a new beginning and not just a sad and disheartened ending. Strength of mind as well as body! These men make me feel weak, lifeless because they are strong and full of hope for life. After seeing this movie I have begun an exercise program that I hope will give me back the upper body strength that I need to keep moving, keep doing, keep living. No I am not paralyzed but physically challenged. At least for now!

Few in Britain can fail to be moved towards the end of last summer (2012) by the effective return home of the Paralympic Games. This drama was broadcast on the BBC between the Olympic and Paralympic Games and depicts the origin of the latter. The title may be a play on the name of Dr (later Sir Ludwig) Guttman, whose name translates into English as "good man".In 1944 Dr. Guttman, a German-Jewish surgeon who had escaped from Nazi Germany, arrives at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire to look after ex-servicement who have suffered spinal injuries. Most of them have been written off as incapable of ever having useful lives, but Guttman has other ideas. He bullies and cajoles those in authority to let him start working on their upper body strength so that they can use wheelchairs independently. When London is awarded the 1948 Olympic Games he puts forward the idea of a "Parallel Olympics" for spinally injured patients, to take place (where the world renowned Stoke Mandeville sports ground now stands) on the day of London's Olympic Opening Ceremony.Eddie Marsan is outstanding as Guttman and Rob Brydon's portrayal of Corporal Wynne Bowen (one of his patients) is both perceptive and comical. The ward sister, equally ably portrayed by Niamh Cusack, is sceptical at first, but Guttman's enthusiasm eventually wins her and her staff round to his way of thinking.The DVD is light on extras, just scene selection and subtitles, but it renders the full play. The closing credits explain the further development of the Paralympic Games and, of course, The ultimate role of Guttmen and Stoke Mandeville were openly recognised at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, when it was stated that the Paralympics had come home. A further tribute is that London's Paralympic mascot was named Mandeville in honour of the hospital where it all began 64 years earlier.This is at times moving and at times funny but always engaging. And remember, it was people like Dr. Guttman who made it possible for Tanni Grey-Thompson, our amazing Paralympic cyclists, swimmers and rowers and by no means least Peter "Weir-Wolf" Weir to become the Paralympic icons they are.

Every now & again you accidentally tune into something on the box that keeps you spellbound. The Best of Men was that for me. Just b'tween the Olympics & the Paralympics, I was channel hopping. I had not heard of this & didn't know anything about it, but from the first moment I was totally hooked & didn't take my eyes off it for the whole viewing. After that, I re-wound, re-watched & was re-captivated. It was wonderfully enjoyable & utterly mesmerising. The script, the acting, the story....everything....totally top notch TV. Lots said about Rob Brydon, who does a fab turn don't get me wrong, but the absolute star is Eddie Marsan as Dr Ludwig Guttman - the man who virutally brought about the Paralympics. The sort of TV that when its over, makes you sit back, sigh deeply and feel that all is right with the world.

A wonderful production to watch about the rehabilitation of injured war heroes from WWI, which eventually resulted in the Paralympic Games being established. Eddie Marsan is exceptional in the lead role as the German refugee doctor who's coming to change things for the better against many odds, giving hope to previously almost abandoned wounded British soldiers. Eddie's German accent is very realistic, very funny; you think he IS German, trying to speak English well!. Also design is a great delight, as the film is set in beautiful surroundings during spring blossom time. What I also really liked was the swinging music and the lighthearted, at times even funny, telling of a true story that might at first make you think, "not another sad hospital story!" Very moving and also very uplifting! You'll want to watch it again and again! Rob Brydon is also very funny! "Thank you, danke, Eddie, Rob and all!"

This is an excellent true story about the shocking way paralysed soldiers were treated in hospital in the '40s and one doctor's determination to fight for better treatment. If it wasn't for Dr Ludwig Guttmann then paralysed people would never have got the treatment they deserve. The drama is moving in places but has the right amount of seemingly natural humour to keep it light enough and is mostly very uplifting. Doctor Guttmann began the national games from which the Paralympic games developed and it shows real footage of this at the end. The acting is perfect and absolutely believable, particularly Eddie Marsan (Dr Guttmann) who sounds realistically German and is excellent from start to finish. I think everyone should watch this true story; it's an excellent drama all the way through and shows nothing is impossible. What is also nice is there are English subtitles for those who want them so it can be enjoyed by all.

The story of how one man with an idea changed the world and their perceptions of disability.Doctor Guttmann, a refugee from Germany with outrageous schemes of rehabilitation of paraplegics was so against the British sense of common decency at the time he struggled to make those around him understand that although they may no longer be fully able-bodied, they still had the chance to live life to the full (albeit require some alterations to certain circumstances) he found that by installing some healthy competition and self-respect instead of leaving them alone to die, these men who were victims of war could be active once more.He noticed that with some degree of mobility regained many were playing games, even jostling each other in makeshift racing with their wheelchairs that Dr Guttmann decided to use sport further to help rehabilitate his patients, it worked so well he requested the hospital to hold a National Games in 1945 in which 15 patients took part by 1952 the then named "Stoke Mandeville" Games started accepting international athletes thus beginning the Paralympic Movement, of which in London 2012 saw over 4,000 athletes attended and take part.The story of how one man with an idea changed the world and their perceptions of disability.