The Doctor

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The Doctor

PG-13,

1991,

2h 5m,

Drama

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81%

21 Reviews

Tomatometer

72%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Ace surgeon Jack McKee (William Hurt) is emotionally disconnected from his wife (Christine Lahti), his son (Charlie Korsmo) and the people he operates on. After Jack develops a life-threatening tumor, he sees life from a patient's perspective. He then meets a courageous, fatally ill woman named June (Elizabeth Perkins) and begins to realize the necessity of showing kindness in the medical profession. Jack vows to treat his family and patients with more compassion if he survives.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Feb 7, 2018

The Doctor is that rare specimen--a big studio movie that treats the audience (and its own characters) with intelligence and respect. It cuts close to the bone.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jan 1, 2000

3.5/4

In the wrong hands, this material could have been simply a cautionary tale, but Hurt and his director, Randa Haines, who also collaborated on Children of a Lesser God, make it into the story of a specific, flawed, fascinating human being.

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Ronan Farren

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Dec 19, 2025

It holds the interest but hasn't a lot in the way of profundity.

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Dec 19, 2025

There is a deal of designer blood in The Doctor, and much heartache. But little pain, dirty or financial anxiety.

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Madeleine Harmsworth

Sunday Mirror (UK)

Dec 18, 2025

4/5

A superbly sensitive performance by Hurt and an excellent screenplay make this a deeply moving film.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Jan 20, 2023

Randa Haines has directed The Doctor with exquisite tact, supported by an exceptional cast. [Full review in Spanish]

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Mar 23, 2019

One of the best movies Iâ(TM)ve ever seen. Your typical doctor (arrogant, egotistical, etc.) gets knocked off his high horse and learns what it means to care again by becoming a patient, and having to deal with life and other doctors from a patientâ(TM)s perspective.

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Abraham L

May 23, 2018

I am lucky enough to have a pain management doctor like this...if I lose my insurance, I will be devastated. This is a beautiful film that all medical students and all doctors should see.

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Poe G

Oct 1, 2017

A taste of his own medicine was the better title.

Rey R

Nov 28, 2007

Gives a fresh appreciation of the dynamic interplay between mind, body, and soul in the art of healing.

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Randa Haines

Director

William Hurt

Dr. Jack MacKee

Christine Lahti

Anne MacKee

Elizabeth Perkins

June Ellis

Mandy Patinkin

Dr. Murray Kaplan

Adam Arkin

Dr. Eli Blumfield

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Synopsis

Ace surgeon Jack McKee (William Hurt) is emotionally disconnected from his wife (Christine Lahti), his son (Charlie Korsmo) and the people he operates on. After Jack develops a life-threatening tumor, he sees life from a patient's perspective. He then meets a courageous, fatally ill woman named June (Elizabeth Perkins) and begins to realize the necessity of showing kindness in the medical profession. Jack vows to treat his family and patients with more compassion if he survives.

Director: Randa Haines
Producer: Laura Ziskin
Screenwriter: Ed Rosenbaum, Robert Caswell
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $38.1M
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Surround

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