Is Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1950)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter (1950), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In the middle of the 19th century, almost one in three women who gave birth died of puerperal fever. The Hungarian doctor Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis also observed these terrible occurrences in his clinic in Vienna. He came to the conclusion that it was primarily the unhygienic conditions in the clinic itself that led to this disease, as his colleagues were constantly shuttling back and forth between the anatomy department and the delivery room. He tries to convince the doctors of the absolute necessity of thorough disinfection by washing their hands with chlorinated lime. He meets with fierce resistance from his colleagues until he himself sets up an exemplary clinic in Budapest."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter, Karl Paryla delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 99 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.