Freeheld (2007 and 2015)

Gay Rights and Gay Marriage are the themes of both this documentary and feature film by the same name.

Documentary: A terminally ill New Jersey police officer struggles against city council's decision to deny the transfer of her pension to her domestic partner in documentary filmmaker Cynthia Wade's earnest look at one woman's fight for equal rights in the land of the free. Veteran lieutenant Laurel Hester is a police officer who has dedicated 23 years of her life to serving the community. Upon learning that she has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, Hester seeks to provide for longtime partner, Stacie Andree, by transferring her pension. A wrinkle arises in Hester's plan, however, when the elected officials of New Jersey county ("The Freeholders") deny Hester's humble request. Without transfer of the funds, Andree will lose the home that the couple has spent their lives building together. Now, as their friends and neighbors rally around in support of the couple, Hester is forced to spend her final days not simply enjoying the company of the one she holds dearest, but racing against the clock to ensure that the love of her life won't be destitute due to a broken and biased system. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi  2007.  36 minutes

The 2015 feature film starring Julianne Moore as Laurel and Ellen Page as Stacie did not get great reviews, but I saw it and found it moving and important.  It was well worth watching.

The Insider (1999)

From NetFlix: "One man told the truth. Another reported the story. Both paid the price. The Insider -- a true tale about a Big Tobacco scientist (Russell Crowe) who exposed industry secrets, and the newsman (Al Pacino) who fought corporate forces that would have squelched the story -- offers a glimpse into power, media and money in America. A thought-provoking and thrilling film." 1999 157 minutes (See Trailer on NetFlix Site or at NY Times)

This is an important film that should not be missed. Strangely, the death rate from lung cancer has increased in the ten years since the film was released.

To see that nothing has changed, see "Doctor Sounds Alarm Ahead of Tobacco Vote" NY Times May 6, 2009.

Gran Torino (2008)

While this film does not deal directly with medical issues, it is worth viewing in that it instructs one about cross-cultural issues. It is as powerful, in our opinion, as "The Spirit Catches You" the book by Ann Fadiman that also deals with Hmong culture.

Moving scene of Eastwood as a patient in a Michigan clinic.

From NetFlix: Crusty, inflexible Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors – and his own long-held prejudices – when the family's teen son, Thao, tries to steal Walt's beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Tao and his sister, who are vulnerable to disturbing gang influences in this intimate drama from 78-year-old director Eastwood. 2008, 116 minutes