Lenox Hill

Great documentary work. A smooth transition between birth and death, between the panoramas of Manhattan, cramped halls and the micro-perspective of exposed brains. Layered, touching, perfectly dramaturgically-composed and, as a result, cleansing by how intensely it thematises finiteness and helplessness. And how un-pathetically it celebrates tenacity of doctors and patients. (06/20/2020)

With The Doctors, Bára Kopecká managed to make the same concept much more personal, better in the operating theater, more naturally and more pragmatically, but that certainly doesn't mean Lenox Hill is less interesting. Through four different medical professions in one hospital, it offers a sufficiently comprehensive insight into the doctors' daily routine, stress, challenges, bureaucracy and mission, and the diversity of patients on the upper floors versus those coming from the street and being saved in the emergency room, as well as showing the imperfections of the entire system. The main difference is that Lenox Hill puts emotions first. So, the cases of individual patients play a much bigger role. There is also not a single moment when the medical staff and patient would not be aware of the fact that they are just following the filmmakers' instructions all the time, so there are times when you can see that they are acting just for the camera. Because of this, the series loses too much of the casualness that is necessary for such a project. And it doesn't matter if it's from the world of sports or the medical environment. (06/14/2020)

I stumbled upon this gem of a miniseries by chance on Netflix. As a medical student, I’m deeply interested in this field, so getting a glimpse into one of the most renowned hospitals not just in the USA but worldwide was something I couldn’t miss. Lenox Hill presents three storylines, each getting roughly equal screen time. The most compelling and impactful part is undoubtedly the story surrounding two top-notch neurosurgeons. John Boockvar and David Langer are names I’ll remember from now on, always associated with superlatives like immensely empathetic and charismatic doctors. I genuinely experienced their cases with them; every small joy delighted me, and on the other hand, the tragic outcomes brought tears. The main characters’ monologues were excellent and left a strong impression on me. The other two storylines (the midwife and the ER nurse) also had their moments of interest, but let’s be honest, the series really centers on those two "brain experts." For me, it’s 8.5/10. (11/12/2020)