...First Do No Harm (1997)
When Lori Reimuller learns that her young son Robbie has epilepsy, she first trusts the judgment of the hospital staff in how best to bring it under control. As Robbie's health slides radically downhill, however, she becomes frustrated and desperate, and so does her own research into the existing literature on treatments. When she decides to try an alternative treatment called the Ketogenic Diet, devised long ago by a doctor from Johns Hopkins, she is met with narrow-minded resistance from Robbie's doctor, who is prepared to take legal action to prevent Lori from removing him from the hospital.
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Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
as this movie starts,a voice comes on as wells the words,saying that although his story is fictionalized,it is inspired by a true story.it's all bout how the medical community is unwilling to think outside the box when it comes to alternative treatments for sick people,that they don't approve of. one family learns this the hard way,when their young son is struck ill,and despite not getting better in hospital,the doctors want to continue to try treatments that don't work.this movie is heart wrenching at times,and frustrating.Meryl Streep and Fred Ward star as the parents who are running out of options for their son and are at their wits end.Streep and Ward both are great here.Allison Janney(The West Wing)also puts in a good performance. too be fair,not everyone in the medical establishment is unwilling to think out of the box,and the movie shows this as well.for me,First do no Harm is a 7/10
I really enjoy watching Meryl Streep in everyone of her movies. She is by far a very talented actress and one that only comes around once in a generation. This movie is so moving. Seth Adkins, who plays the ill child, is also very talented. He is shockingly believable as a child with epilepsy, especially for a kid his age. This movie will definitely make you think twice about how well you have it. You will fall in love with the character of Robby and feel the pain his family has to go through. During the hardships they face. Everyone who watches this movie will most likely think twice about epilepsy and not think of it as a small disease. I had know idea that it was so serious or that there was a cure to stop the ceasars.
The movie moved and touched my soul to see a youth being treated and healed in a good way from epilepsy. I have had seizures since the age of 2 from being hit by a car and now I'm 25. I am currently on medication since I was 18 and only had one seizure due to stopping my medication once, otherwise medication is controlling them but not getting totally rid of the seizures. My parents never treated me in any kind of way for my condition, they just let me have seizures. I feel so scared and helpless that the diet may not work for me after all these years. Wish I had the help and support, I just leave it all up to God. God BlessJacklyn Wells
I can't count how many times I have watched this movie! I never get tired of it! The acting is so good it's easy to become emotionally involved. Not to mention the fact that it's based on actual events! Observe the wonderful performance by Seth Adkins! If you like him in this, you HAVE to check out "When Andrew Came Home"!