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Bethune: The Making of a Hero (1990)

PG  |   |  Biography, Drama, Romance  |  27 August 1990 (Canada)
6.8
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Ratings: 6.8/10 from 268 users  
Reviews: 6 user | 2 critic

Bethune has long been a hero in China. Perhaps for reasons of politics and personality, however, his fame in North America lagged far behind. The film explores the complexity of a character... See full summary »

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Cast

Credited cast:
...
...
Frances Penny Bethune
...
Mrs. Dowd
...
Chester Rice
...
Mr. Tung
Da Guo ...
Dr. Chian
...
Marie-France Coudaire
...
Alan Coleman
Geoffrey Chater ...
Dr. Archibald
Zong-yao Tan ...
General Nieh
Ke-Yaw Zhang ...
Iñaki Aierra ...
Dr. Salvador
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Lorne Brass ...
Reporter 1
Norris Domingue
...
Nurse MacKenzie
See full cast »
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Storyline

Bethune has long been a hero in China. Perhaps for reasons of politics and personality, however, his fame in North America lagged far behind. The film explores the complexity of a character who could be narcissistic, petty, and cruel with those who loved him, yet capable of heroic generosity and creativity for those whom he scarcely knew. It was a Canada-China-France co-production, which by the time of its release had become the most expensive movie ever made in Canada. The production had been dogged by controversy over funding, politics, location, revenue, and a dispute over the script between the author, who had been with Bethune in Spain, and the leading actor who had already played Bethune in other venues. Some scenes are tinged with humor and Bethune's speeches about universal access to humane medicine have an uncanny appeal more than half a century later. With its beautiful backdrop of Chinese landscapes, Montreal snow, and 1930s nostalgia, the film is an evocative memorial to a... Written by Duffin, Jacalyn

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

china | spain | chinese | politics | canadian | See All (204) »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance | War

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

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Release Date:

27 August 1990 (Canada)  »

Also Known As:

Bethune  »

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Trivia

First major co-venture between Canada and China. See more »

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User Reviews

lost chance
9 October 1999 | by (mississippi) – See all my reviews

The life and times of Norman Bethune represent the stuff great epic movies are made of. Unfortunately, the creators of this film missed the opportunity and spoiled everything they could. The time line is unnecessarily disordered, psychology and camera unengaging, props are fake (e.g. brand new uniforms of the Chinese soldiers). I do not comment about the politics or ideology of the film, but as art, it is overwhelmingly disappointing.
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