Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor

Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor is a French drama from the year 2014. This film explores the ins and outs of the public healthcare system in France and the personal and professional ups and downs of those who work within it. This captivating film was masterfully directed by Thomas Lilti, with a compelling screenplay that he co-wrote with Pierre Chosson, Baya Kasmi, and Julien Lilti. The film is named after Hippocrates of Kos, also known as Hippocrates II, an ancient Greek physician who's often called the "Father of Medicine."

The movie stars Vincent Lacoste in the role of Benjamin Barois, a young intern working in his father's department at a Paris hospital. The film gives an intimate portrait of Benjamin's journey, venturing deep into his emotional and ethical battles as a budding physician who's grappling with the weight of responsibility that comes with medical practice.

Experienced actor Jacques Gamblin plays Benjamin's father, Professor Barois, the head of the department where his son is interning. Professor Barois tries to maintain a professional demeanor at work, but one can clearly see his underlying pride and concern for his son. Meanwhile, their relationship terns somewhat strained as they both try to balance out their familial bond with their professional roles, highlighting generational differences and distinct outlooks on practicing medicine.

Reda Kateb excellently plays Abdel, an Algerian doctor who is much more pragmatic and sympathetic than his younger contemporary, Benjamin. Despite being more experienced and skilled, Abdel is only hired as an intern in the French healthcare system due to his immigrant status. His and Benjamin's paths intersect at the hospital, and their contrasting views and approaches to medicine serve as a focal point of the film, sparking thought-provoking dialogue and creating a fascinating dynamic that viewers can dive into throughout the movie.

The narrative lays bare the harsh realities, bureaucratic red tape, and tedious routines that the hospital staff has to deal with daily. Through clever sequencing of scenes, viewers get to experience first-hand the challenges that arise from juggling demanding work hours, the constant stream of medical emergencies, administrative complexities, ethical dilemmas, and the emotional strain of dealing with life and death situations regularly.

The medical backdrop of the hospital plays out like a character in itself. The film doesn't shy away from showcasing the non-glamorous side of hospitals, the hustle and bustle of wards, the outdated equipment, and the bare-bones resources that the staff often has to make-do with. Nevertheless, it subtly highlights the commitment and passion that the healthcare professionals demonstrate despite these hurdles.

Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor's storytelling is incredibly authentic and rooted in reality. Director Thomas Lilti's own experience as a doctor infuses credibility into the narrative. The portrayal of complex characters and their moral struggles offers a realistic representation of medical professionals. Amidst all the chaos, Lilti finds moments of levity—moments that are filled with dry humor, often used by the characters as their coping mechanism.

The cinematography of this film is subtle, with hues that reflect the grim atmosphere and somber mood of a hospital. However, the direction, pacing, and the main performances, are strong enough to keep a steady engagement.

The film also dives deeper into exploring genuinely human themes like mortality, care, corruption, bureaucracy, empathy, and love. It throws a pertinent question into the air about the idea of healthcare system flaws that need addressing.

Vincent Lacoste delivers a standout performance as Benjamin, who transitions from an unsure intern to someone grappling with the moral and ethical implications of practicing medicine. Jacques Gamblin as his father, feeds the narrative with the profound sense of responsibility and concern towards his patients and his son. And Reda Kateb's character Abdel brings additional depth to the story, weaving an extra layer of immigrant experience and class disparity.

To sum up, Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor offers a compelling and realistic exposition on the medical profession in a public healthcare system. It is a must-watch for anyone looking to witness a powerful ensemble cast deliver a moving narrative that’s brimming with drama, ethical dilemmas, dry humor, and poignant emotions. This movie is a fine example of storytelling merging with reality, which in turn enlightens viewers about the intensity of the medical field, making it an engaging drama you wouldn't want to miss.