What an epic and awesome movie. this film made me cry. Alan Rickman and Mos Def showed a great, outstanding and unforgettable performance. I like the character of Vivien Thomas much more, who supposed to be black, oppressed but well trusted, frank, hard working quiet and loyal at the time of racism. And even he didn't lose his faith and hope even when he was confused and didn't know what to do after leaving work with Dr Blalock " I don't return for you, I love what I do her" " I don't want any praise but I want something fire my enthusiasm " my beloved quotes out of the movie. I wish I could as brave as you to truly find my passion and always stick to it regardless anyone or anything. Dr Vivien you were the action and the whole world was the reaction. RIP Dr Alfred Blalock, Dr Vivien Thomas and Alan Rickman

This was a great true story about overcoming tremendous odds and adversity. It is about two men, one white and one black, who pioneered newborn heart surgery. Mos Def's character is a carpenter who comes on at Johns Hopkins University and helps Alan Rickman's character develop procedures for the operation and everything. Of course, Def has to overcome prejudice and the social aspects of the day, as it is set during the 1940s. Overall, this was a very inspiring movie. I am very glad I saw it. I liked all the characters, especially the one portrayed by Charles Dutton. Definitely see it if you get the chance.*** out of ****

I watched this movie out of the suggestion from my grandmother. My son was born with a congenital heart defect and had the BT shunt for the first 4 1/2 months of his life. My grandmother didn't know he had it when she told me to watch it because it was about 2 years after it was removed and replaced with a shunt made from his own valves. To see how they actually made this and saved so many lives amazes me. I am sitting here tearing up just thinking about it. These wonderful men helped save my little boys life so many years before he was even born. Without God's direction and wisdom they couldn't have done it alone. Say what you will but I truly believe these men were divinely ordered to construct this medical marvel. Oddly enough this movie came out the same year my son was born so I feel it was meant for me to see this film. I HIGHLY recommend anyone to watch it especially those who have children or family members with heart conditions.

Back in November i made a sweeping statement that rappers cannot act . After making that statement a myspace friend (opiniohaver) told me to have a look at " Something the Lord Made " and check out the acting of rapper Mos Def . I have done and it have got to admit i was wrong because Mos Def was superb . In fact he's better than his highly experienced co star Alan Rickman. Alfred Blalock is chief surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, where he is pioneering new techniques in heart surgery. Blalock makes the acquaintance of Vivien Thomas , a carpenter hired to work at the University, and to his surprise discovers a man of keen intelligence who has a great interest in medicine. However, as a poor black man in the Jim Crow South, Thomas lacks the financial resources to obtain a medical degree, though he certainly has the knowledge and the desire. Blalock takes Thomas on as his lab assistant, and together they develop a technique that allows them to correct a common congenital heart defect in children. However, while they work side by side in the lab and in the operating room, Blalock and Thomas do not walk the same paths in society, and Thomas develops a deep resentment that he has been given little credit for his contribution to a medical innovation that makes Blalock famousNot only is Mos Def's display good the film is really good too. I'm always a little weary of films made for TV or Cable . They sometimes look a little cheap and they don't usually get much critical acclaim. To be fair films made for HBO are usually the exception and What the Lord Made can sit along side most mainstream movies and hold it's head up high.It is quite an emotional movie that focuses a lot on the fact that Thomas did not receive the acclaim he deserved for the medical breakthrough in heart surgery from his boss or from the medical fraternity .When he finally received the credit he deserves , his mentor ( or was he the mentor?) was long gone.Its not made clear as to why Blalock did not give Thomas any credit when he was receiving accolades from his fellow doctors . I'm sure he wasn't racist , unlike some of his colleagues . perhaps he felt that they would not respect him as match if he credited a black man? I don't suppose we will ever know.The film has some really interesting news reel clips of what was happening with the race and student riots back in the early sixties and they only add to what is an enjoyable , informative movie.This film won three Emmy's and was nominated for two Golden Globes. That says it all.At least i know now that there is one rapper who can act but are there any more?7 out of 10