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Patch Adams (1998)

The true story of a heroic man, Hunter "Patch" Adams, determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. He ventured where no doctor had ventured before, using humour and pathos.

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(book) (as Hunter Doherty Adams), (book) | 1 more credit »
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Dr. Eaton
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Judy
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Dean Anderson
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Adelane
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Bile
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Rudy
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Storyline

Patch Adams is determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community does not appreciate his methods of healing the sick, while the actual patients, medical professors, and hospital nurses all appreciate the work *he* can do, because they are unable to do it. Written by Ari Herzog <ari@ici.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Laughter is contagious. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some strong language and crude humor | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

25 December 1998 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Docteur Patch  »

Filming Locations:

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Box Office

Budget:

$90,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,262,280, 27 December 1998, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$135,026,902

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$202,292,902
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The poem that Patch reads to Carin is an English translation of "Sonnet XVII" by Pablo Neruda (see Goofs). See more »

Goofs

The answering machine in the movie didn't exist at that time. See more »

Quotes

Hunter Patch Adams: All of life is a coming home. Salesmen, secretaries, coal miners, beekeepers, sword swallowers, all of us. All the restless hearts of the world, all trying to find a way home. It's hard to describe what I felt like then. Picture yourself walking for days in the driving snow; you don't even know you're walking in circles. The heaviness of your legs in the drifts, your shouts disappearing into the wind. How small you can feel, and how far away home can be. Home. The dictionary defines it as both ...
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Connections

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: God's Not Dead 2 (2017) See more »

Soundtracks

Fur Elise
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven (as Ludwig Van Beethoven)
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User Reviews

 
Robin Williams:The Best Medicine
8 March 2005 | by See all my reviews

In my opinion,Robin Williams is at his best when playing characters much like himself.This film is based on the life of the real Hunter "Patch" Adams,a man that Williams himself says that he closely relates to.In the medical profession,it is easy to become hard nosed and so wrapped up in treating the sickness that it is all too easy to forget that there are actual people behind the sickness.We are taught by Patch to treat the person first,because when you do so,treating the illness becomes somewhat easier.Sometimes people don't get better,but treating the soul to a laugh or two can lessen the pain and suffering.Sometimes people die,and while the people that loved them suffer and grieve,the suffering and grief are eased somewhat by the knowledge that their departed loved ones no longer suffer.This role was tailor made for Williams,and he is supported well,including another overlooked performance by the late Michael Jeter as a squirrel fearing mental patient.Thumbs up!


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