My Own Country (1998)

"My Own Country" tells the story of an East Indian doctor who settles in Johnson City, Tennessee. The doctor's name is Abraham Verghese, and he specializes in infectious diseases. It's 1985... See full summary »

Director:

Mira Nair

Writers:

Abraham Verghese (book), Jim Leonard (screenplay) (as Jim Leonard Jr.)

Stars:

Naveen Andrews, Glenne Headly, Hal Holbrook

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Naveen Andrews	...	Dr. Abraham Verghese
Glenne Headly	...	Vickie Talley
Hal Holbrook	...	Lloyd Flanders
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Hope Flanders
Marisa Tomei	...	Mattie Vines
Adam Tomei	...	Gordon Vines
Ellora Patnaik	...	Rajani Verghese
Peter MacNeill	...	Allen
Sean Hewitt	...	Chester Mews
William Webster	...	Langdon Arwood
Sharon Dyer	...	Mrs. Vines
David Fox	...	Mr. Vines
Colleen Williams	...	Carol
Ranjit Chowdhry	...	Vadivel
Ishwar Mooljee	...	Dr. S.B.T.

Storyline

"My Own Country" tells the story of an East Indian doctor who settles in Johnson City, Tennessee. The doctor's name is Abraham Verghese, and he specializes in infectious diseases. It's 1985, and AIDS is spreading from the big cities to the rural areas. Abraham takes AIDS as his personal crusade and is soon well-known for his compassion and non-judgmental treatment. He soon becomes overwhelmed with patients from the surrounding states, which strains his marriage.

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Plot Keywords:

aids | medical | tennessee | marriage | hospital | 

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Taglines:

Even a small town must face the truth.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including some frank sexual discussion

User Reviews

Very fine acting

I just caught this on late night cable and stayed up until 3 AM to see the end. I was so moved by the acting - especially Marisa Tomei and Glenne Headly. Naveen Andrews was very fine, too. But Marisa's compassionate character was truly award-worthy, IMO. Hal Holbrook's storyline was beautiful, as well. And I hadn't realized that Marisa's real life brother was an actor (and portrayed her brother in this film).

We have tended to push the AIDS story on the back burner these days, but this was a meaningful portrayal of what one doctor went through, in a very unusual setting. I loved the inclusion of his family and culture into the story. If all the medical staff were really as supportive as portrayed, then it was an amazing place to get care.

One of my favorite lines from the movie was from the Doctor's loyal assistant (perhaps secretary, or clinic manager) who commented (to the effect) that she would give anything to be loved by a man as much as the male gay partners loved each other.

I recorded it so I can watch it again, I missed the very beginning. But I definitely thought it was beautiful and worth watching (and staying up very late to see through!)

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Az én országom

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1