The Best of Men
By Alistair Lawrence,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
British WWII drama has positive messages, trauma, language.
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The Best of Men
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What's the Story?
THE BEST OF MEN follows the groundbreaking work of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann (Eddie Marsan), who treated British World War II soldiers who had suffered spinal injuries.
Is It Any Good?
Inspired by a true story, this drama is a brisk but engaging retelling of how a German refugee doctor helped change the lives of British soldiers injured in WWII. In The Best of Men, Marsan launches himself into the role of Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, verbally sparring with anyone who questions his methods, often with a dash of deadpan humor. The film celebrates his revolutionary methods, which showed both his patients and the authorities that spinal injuries need not prevent people from living a fulfilling life.
Despite its modest budget and short runtime, the movie fills its cast with enough talent to deliver its mix of comedy and drama in way that feels authentic. Like Guttman, it doesn't treat its disabled characters with pity, gradually bringing them together as Guttman's tireless persistence and innovative methods begin to get results. There are few surprises to its neat, feel-good ending, but this is a story that deserves to be told. A closing montage of real-life footage and photos is further proof of the ripple effect caused by the remarkable resolve of all the characters that changed the way that we think about and treat people living with disabilities.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive messages in The Best of Men. Dr. Guttmann and his patients show great courage and perseverance. Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've showed these traits yourself?
How were the characters living with disabilities portayed? Were they realistic? Why is representation important? How has the way people living with disabilities changed over the years?
Discuss some of the language used -- particularly the xenophobic slurs. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? How has our behavior when it comes to drinking and smoking changed from when the movie was set?
The soldiers received their injuries during WWII. What do you know about this time period? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 4, 2014
- Cast: Eddie Marsan , Rob Brydon , George MacKay
- Director: Tim Whitby
- Studio: HBO Max
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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