5B

5B is an awe-inspiring documentary film directed by Paul Haggis and Dan Krauss. The film released in 2018, stars Alison Moed Paolercio, Cliff Morrison, and David Denmark, who aren't actors in the traditional sense but rather real-life figures that took substantial care of the titular 5B in a humanity-affirming manner during the AIDS crisis.

5B delves into the heroic endeavors undertaken during the initial stages of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. The film gets its name from the special care unit "Ward 5B" at San Francisco General Hospital, which in 1983, became the first ward of its kind dedicated to AIDS patients. The ward set a new standard for care during a time when the deadly disease was hardly understood, and fear and stigma were rampant.

Alison Moed Paolercio, Cliff Morrison, and David Denmark played quintessential roles in the conception and effective functioning of the ward. They feature prominently in the film, sharing their personal experiences, stories, challenges, and passions that drove their tireless work. Their deeply human, compassionate, and fearlessly caring approach form the narrative backbone of the film, immersively detailing their work experiences in the ward, from treating patients with dignity and love to advocating politically for patients’ rights against the backdrop of widespread fear and hatred in society.

The character of Cliff Morrison provides a powerful focal point for the narrative. As a nurse and the brainchild behind Ward 5B, Morrison's fortitude, compassion, and dedication revolutionized how health care providers would handle contagious diseases. Then we have figures like Alison Moed Paolercio, another nurse who worked on the front lines of the epidemic, manifesting a degree of empathy and bravery that's both inspiring and humbling.

David Denmark, an executive director of a San Francisco foundation providing support and research for AIDS and HIV, also plays a key role in the movie. In their various capacities, these individuals tell the story of empathy humanized, courage personified, and pioneering developments in healthcare, despite societal and institutional resistance.

The documentary is more than just an exploration of the medical aspects of the disease. It showcases the human spirit's resilience, love, and hope while grappling with a mysterious, lethal, and highly stigmatized epidemic. Through personal anecdotes, clips, interviews, and archival footage, directors Haggis and Krauss piece together a compelling narrative. They use their filmmaking prowess to deftly weave this account of a community's response to a health crisis, demonstrating how unity, courage, and compassion can combat ignorance and fear.

Aside from the personal narratives, 5B also delves into the political and social climate of the time, revealing how prejudice, misinformation, and discrimination worsened the crisis. The film does an excellent job reminding viewers of the harrowing difficulties patients faced in such a tumultuous time - from public ostracization to even not being able to get a hospital bed.

5B doesn't shy away from the heavy emotional moments. It is heart-wrenching yet heart-warming, tragic yet triumphant, displaying the full depth and range of human emotion. These emotions resonate deeply, reflecting the courage and resilience of the ward's patients and staff, reminding us of our shared humanity in the face of adversity.

The visuals are carefully crafted, blending a vibrant mix of actual footage from the 1980s with present-day interviews for an authentic emotional connection. Additionally, the sparing use of a melodic score by award-winning composer Justin Melland punctuates the most poignant moments without distracting from the story's raw emotional power.

5B is a profoundly moving tribute to unsung heroes who defied the odds and a haunting reminder of a time in history that has perhaps faded from modern discourse but remains essential to remember and learn from. It's a must-watch for its portrayal of ordinary people confronting an extraordinary crisis with dignity, bravery, kindness, and most importantly - immense love.