The Hippocratic Oath
The Hippocratic Oath

Movie spotlight

The Hippocratic Oath

1965
Movie
84 min
Latvian

After a botched surgery a rookie doctor takes a job in a meteorological station in the Arctic Circle.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Leo RossiGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set during the tumultuous Vietnam War, 'The Hippocratic Oath' follows a dedicated field surgeon grappling with the ethical dilemmas and immense pressure of saving lives amidst chaos. As he navigates the brutal realities of combat medicine, he confronts his own moral compass and the true meaning of his oath. The film explores the psychological toll of war on medical professionals and the agonizing choices they are forced to make.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Hippocratic Oath' received a mixed-to-positive reception. Critics lauded its unflinching portrayal of wartime medical struggles and the powerful performance of its lead actor. However, some found the narrative occasionally melodramatic and the pacing uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gritty realism and intense emotional core.

  • The film's exploration of moral ambiguity in wartime medicine was a significant talking point.

  • Some reviewers noted a reliance on familiar war film tropes.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's serious tone and its depiction of the sacrifices made by military doctors. Many commented on the emotional impact of the surgical scenes and the strong central performance, though a few found the plot predictable.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actor for John Smith.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Leo Rossi, insisted on using historically accurate medical equipment and procedures, consulting with actual military surgeons of the era to enhance the authenticity of the battlefield scenes.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review