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Movie spotlight

Doctor Semmelweis

1995
Movie
95 min
French

The story of famous Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Alain ResnaisGenres: Biography, Drama, History

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the life and struggles of Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician in the mid-19th century. Semmelweis was one of the first to advocate for hand-washing in chlorinated solutions as a means of preventing infectious disease. His groundbreaking ideas were met with skepticism and outright hostility from the established medical community, leading to his tragic downfall.

Critical Reception

The film received moderate critical attention, praised for its thoughtful portrayal of Semmelweis's scientific and personal battles. While not a commercial blockbuster, it's regarded as an important historical drama that highlights a pivotal moment in medical history and the resistance to new scientific understanding.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its historical accuracy and dramatic interpretation of a crucial scientific discovery.

  • Recognized for its exploration of scientific dogma and the challenges faced by visionary thinkers.

  • The film is noted for its deliberate pacing and melancholic tone.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Alain Resnais, the director, was known for his intellectual and aesthetically distinct approach to filmmaking, often exploring themes of memory, time, and history.

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