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4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
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Rating breakdown 40 reviews
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
7
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3
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0
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2
37 out of 40(92%)reviewers recommend this movie.
Overall rating 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 40 reviews
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Star
2
37 out of 40(92%)reviewers recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
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Rating breakdown 40 reviews
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28
4 Stars
7
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3
2 Stars
0
1 Star
2
37 out of 40(92%)reviewers recommend this movie.
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Product ReviewsReview This Movie
Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Moving and disturbing
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Chicago
Definitely worth seeing. Really gives a sense of what is like to be a doctor with MSF. Some pretty graphic scenes of patient injuries etc.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Living in Emergency: MSF
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Tarpon Springs, FL
Excellent! Well edited--showed enough of the everyday horror without being overwhelming. I don't believe anyone could come away from this film without being totally amazed at what these doctors do with extremely limited resources in conditions of poverty and violence. One thing that the American doctor pointed out in the panel discussion following the showing was how he came to appreciate what can be done with very little infrastructure and how terribly wasteful medical care is here in the U.S. I also liked that the human side of the doctors was shown--their fatigue, frustrations, burnout, etc. I really want my 14-year-old grandson to see this. When will it be out in DVD???
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Kansas City, MO
Very nicely done documentary. It gave a personal picture of true challenges in medical care.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Insight
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from MA
I'm a newbie at giving to this organization. Now I'm glad I'm a supporter. This film is educational while maintaining your interest -- your riveted to see the outcome of the doctor and patients. It puts in perspective that we shouldn't sweat the small stuff while these volunteers face fear and tragedy every minute of every day.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Heartwrenching, Heartwarming
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Santa Monica, California
I've been telling all my friends and family about this extraordinary film and totally look forward to the DVD release so I can get it for those who weren't able to see it in theater. This has encouraged me to make not just a biannual gift to MSF, but to make a monthly donation. Director did a great job showing the humanity of these docs in completely inhumane conditions. And also their doubts as to whether or not they did 'enough.' Great film. Thanks for showing it at AMC 'cause it's not exactly an easy film to see.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Living in Emergency
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Berkeley CA
This was an eye-opening picture of what it takes to work for Doctors without Borders and left me very respectful of those who have the strength to join the group. I would recommend this movie to any adult with an interest in actually leaning something.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Reality
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Los Angeles
Having done some aid work in Africa myself, I felt like this movie accurately portrays the personal struggles of aid workers trying to provide assistance in very difficult situations. I thought it was very well done and didn't try to show MSF in a falsely positive light. I felt the film gave people good insight into this difficult type of work and I highly recommend it to everyone for a reality check and especially for anyone considering this type of work.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Living in Emergency
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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I have supported Doctors without Borders for several years so was very pleased to have the opportunity to view this film. It made me realize how dedicated and mission oriented one must be to work in these "emergency" environments. The work being done is very much worthy of my continued monetary support. The emotional and mental toll the staff experience is easier to understand having seen the film and I admire those putting themselves in harms way to provide what medical care they can in, most cases, very primitive conditions.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Nice, gory and real
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from United States
I enjoyed this movie because it showed the life of doctors, mostly surgeons, who'd volunteered to serve with Doctors Without Borders. The types of events covered ranged from simple prescription to life saving emergency surgeries. One of the doctors had burned out and only did occasional field work, another seemed to quit after his first mission. But one or more were seasoned regulars. The fields of operation were Liberia, Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo. The move also showed actual conflict where people were randomly firing machine guns and had dead bodies strewn around. Quite sad, but I'm used to it. Mediocre production values.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
these doctors are rock stars
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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This film will reassure anyone that has donated to Medicins sans Frontiere/Doctors without Borders that they have put their money in the right place...and, hopefully, encourage those who haven't to start supporting the organization. These doctors have the toughest jobs in the world.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Uninspiring
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Los Angeles
Grew up in Congo, became a RN after raising children; want to return to give back. The film had me see how I would not fit at MSF, nor would I want to, as it shows MSF to be ego driven. Doctors are portrayed as rock stars with emphasis on personalities rather than the lasting impact that we can only hope they're having. One is to believe that sans a religious/political agenda, MSF's mission is purely humanitarian but I was struck by a lack of meaningfulness. The film will appeal to those entertained by celebrities and reality TV. I was disappointed and will not continue contributions. Glad I saw it to realize that the something I wish to return is more holistic than putting together broken bodies and is actually someone.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Living in Emergency
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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I have been a supporter of Doctors Without Borders for many, many years.
This movie portrayed exactly what I thought was going on regarding the medicine practiced, but this made the difficult environments they work in become a real part of the practice of medicine. I wish I could do one thing as generous as what they do!
I also wish everyone would donate $10 - what a difference it could make. The film was well done, realistic, tangible and frightening. Of course, I do assume there are docs and staff not so pretty as well!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Living in Emergency
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Eden Prairie, MN
Good documentary that shows the nature and consequences of war in under-developed countries, as well as the day-to-day life of doctors, with limited resources, working to serve the people. A poignant reminder of the human suffering in existence and the brutality humans are capable of wreaking on each other, as well as the generosity and struggles of the doctors and staff who serve them.
The panel discussion that followed on Dec 14 was disappointing. Many left the theatre during this time.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Big expectation - Total disappointment: No show!
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Port Washington, NY
I blocked my evening and received permission from my wife ;) to have a night out. She is skirmish about this red stuff and preferred not to come. I therefore invited a good old friend with whom I had started my Pre-Med to come with me. We were 4 in the Port Washington Soundview Movie theater! The manager came and told me the satellite transmission was not working... I suspect that they did not cover their expenses! they had to cancel. We were reimbursed, but this is not the point.
I have a profound respect for these men and woman who not only give a big part of their life to a noble cause, but who also brave danger themselves. Stay bullets, or kidnapping iis always a possibility.
Congrats to the director and to the real actors!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
An Honest Portrayal
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Arizona
I am starting a dental project in Rwanda in the summer of 2010 and I have always admired Doctors Without Borders. The film opened my eyes as to what really goes on "behind the scenes" and was brutally honest about the psychological toll it takes, the small number of people that are selected, the attrition rate, staff conflict, and the overarching good that Doctors Without Borders does for our neighbors.
Our model is building sustainability through education where we train nurses to perform simple extractions, complete basic cleanings, and teach prevention so we leave behind a legacy to allow Rwandans to treat fellow Rwandans. Some of the things I saw in the film will prepare me better to manage our project.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
A must see
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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Doctors without Borders won the Nobel Peace Prize but the real meaning of that can much better be understood when viewing this film. The dedication of doctors who place themselves in the most dangerous health care positions in the world (in the midst of war or other disaster) is remarkable. And the stresses they endure to provide this care to people, including very young children, who are victims of armed conflict are horrific. This film is a wake-up call to all of us who are arguing about the 'best means' of health care while so many in the world have none at all -- or would have none without this magnificent worldwide effort.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Sorry, wouldn't recommend it
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from La Jolla, CA
I was very disappointed, expected to see doctors in REAL EMERGENCY, instead watched most of them smoke and complain, which they have every right to do, there's just a time and place for it. I'm seriously considering removing my donations, that's how bad I think this movie was. Plus, the theater couldn't get the sound right and we couldn't hear them talking in about 95% of the movie, could hear the music fine, but no talking. Sorry, I can't recommend it.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Living In Emergency - Doctors Without Borders
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Arcadia, California
This movie presents a dramatic and raw look at the lives of the amazing and talented physicians who work for Doctors Without Borders in Africa. The conditions are not only horrific but medically intolerable. The physicians are constantly entering unchartered territory, and must even face personal danger in these countries with unstable governments and civil war. The brilliance and dedication of these physicians is portrayed vividly to the audience, and their individual human struggle and pain touches the heart. The suffering of the populace ignites the compassion MSF, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and propels the organization to intervene against all human odds. Graphic medical footage and not for the faint of heart!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Knock upside the head
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Chicago
Thought provoking.
Can the 3rd World ever count on the XPats to help them?
Why would cute, post modern, MDs go on a mission?
Motivation is everything!
Arrogance has no national boundaries,
but neither does compassion.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Accurate Film
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Washington, DC
Living in Emergency, as advertised, performs perhaps the chief role of a documentary: putting you into that other world. It doesn't have much of a beginning--more "in medias res," which is fine; and the ending was undramatic and truncated--so much so that the post-film roundtable was needed. However, the middle, the meat (sorry vegans) was gripping and some great filmmaking. Of course there were examples of first-time director conceits and shortcomings (insufficient character development, narrative jumping from Liberia to Congo, muddled timeline), but I came away seeing much more of the donut than the hole. Go see this film; it might just make you a better person--or at least a more conscientious and inquisitive one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Very powerful. Highly recommended.
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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Living in Emergency focuses on the efforts the people of Doctors without Borders (MSF) to relieve suffering in places of intense suffering. A powerful film, Living in Emergency offers viewers a glimpse of difficult lives of self-sacrifice and unsung heroism. I walked away with a greater appreciation of the remarkably good fortune of not living in a war zone (this alone is reason to feel good), a greater patience to endure the relatively trivial challenges that I face (a late subway, a displeased boss, an unkind word, a deadline at work), and a desire to support the extraordinary work of Doctors without Borders. Highly recommended.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Absolutely worth it!
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from New York, NY
I wanted to get more information on what MSF doctors must face on the ground -- and this did it. While it was not a film with the pre-organized direction and story-line that we expect from Hollywood films, but still, they took pains to show junior, senior, long-term, short-term, and local doctors. Also -- loved the format of showing the entire Skirball event. I got a lot from the discussion session that followed the film.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Intriguing and Disturbing Movie
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Boston, Ma
I would recommend this movie to people who are doctors, military families or those who have lived overseas. It helps understand the hardship of living in emergency. It is very disturbing and you are left wondering how the doctors can cope in the midst of "many car wrecks". It also gives you a perspective on the many amenities we have in our every day life.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
very informative...
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from USA
It was a look at the lives of some amazing people. It takes someone very special to do that kind of word day in and day out! I could never do it but as I do work in the Congo as well, I appriciate and am grateful for the people that can. A movie worth seeing!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Living In Emergency
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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Disappointing in that it did not focus enough on the backstories of the individual doctors, especially what led to their decision to work with Doctors without Borders. It did give a sense of the dangers involved. Some of the dialog was muffled & difficult to understand. Too many scenes of the doctors sitting around smoking. Would recommend the movie to educate about the program & need for this service.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
The way it really is
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Boston, MA
Real life has no Hollywood version. This Documentary film shows us the guts in surgery in hospitals that aren't really up to anyone's standards. It shows us sewage in the streets flowing between trash heaps as well as human triumphs and shortcomings. Conversations with the volunteers and staff reveal the struggles. Nothing easy about this kind of work. What makes people do this? Leaves us with ideas but not answers. A real wake up call that is with me the day after.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Loved it!
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Florham Park, NJ
A touching, real life account of what life is like for a volunteer inside MSF. This film offered a variety of perspectives, exposing the good and bad aspects of taking part in a MSF mission. Although graphic at times, it really pulled me in and increased my desire to volunteer abroad.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Humbling
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Georgia
This movie is a serious, graffic account of the real world experiences doctors and staff experience working in war ravaged 3rd world countries. It is Brutally Honest. The cruelty humans inflict upon one another, verses the compassion to help those in need.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
An unflinching look at life in the field
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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Captures the spirit of MSF without glossing over the realities of the situations these doctors find themselves in. Conflicts with national staff, HQ, and other team members are displayed, as well as the day-to-day struggle - and stress relief - field staff face.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Touching, Shocking
PostedDecember 15, 2009
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from Woodland Hills, CA
Living in Emergency follows several dedicated doctors who work for Medecins Sans Frontieres, the international medical and humanitarian aid organization. The film is brutally honest, to be avoided by those with a weak stomach and not at all the sentimental charity story I expected. This movie made me reevaluate old values and appreciate how lucky/unlucky life can be.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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