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Saturday, February 15, 2020

The Cave (2019)

This is the second of two documentaries that were in the running for an Oscar this year that deal directly with those who remained in Syria throughout the Russian bombings, and the adversity that they faced, both physically and psychologically.  The issues around whether to stay or go are complicated in general, and in particular here the focus is on a doctor, and the medical needs in a civilian area that is undergoing continuous bombing are very compelling.  I read a review for this movie that was basically entitled "Do No Harm For As Long As Possible", which is the summary of what is documented.
There are a couple of things to note.  The first is that in this city, the hospital has retreated into what is essentially an underground bunker, which means that while there is increased safety, it is also like being relegated to a subterranean world.  Between that and the fact that there is an endless stream of people being brought in who have been blown apart and they lack enough medical supplies to adequately care for patients.  Think surgery during the Civil War.  At one point a doctor says "we do not have anesthesia, but we do have music".  Horrible.  It is anv overwhelmingly awful story well told.

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