5B
Janet's TAKE: Interesting and eye-opening, this well-paced documentary has an
even mix of archival footage and interviews of those involved in the first ward treating AIDS patients. Grade/B
At times, the filmmakers try too hard to grab your sympathy for this frightening time in history.
Directed by Paul Haggis, Dan Krauss
Synopsis:
5B is the inspirational story of everyday heroes, nurses and caregivers who took extraordinary action to comfort, protect and care for the patients of the first AIDS ward unit in the United States. 5B is stirringly told through first-person testimony of these nurses and caregivers who built Ward 5B in 1983 at San
Francisco General Hospital, their patients, loved ones, and staff who volunteered to create care practices based in humanity and holistic well-being during a time of great uncertainty. - RYOT Films
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic content including unsettling images, and some strong language.
Running Time: 94 minutes