
Service to Man
Where to Watch Service to Man

Service to Man is a thought-provoking drama released in 2016, directed by Seth Panitch and Aaron Greer. Starring promising actors like Morgan Auld, Christopher Livingston, and Lamman Rucker, Service to Man explores the evolving connection between two extraordinary medical students in the racially turbulent era of the 1960s.
The lead character, Eli Rosenberg, played by Morgan Auld, is a white Jewish student from Brooklyn who is aspiring to become a doctor. He is determined enough to chase his dream to leave his comfort zone behind and move to rural Tennessee. Due to lackluster acceptance results from other medical schools, he finds himself as the only white student in an almost entirely African-American class in the histoic Meharry Medical College - a real-life institution, and the first medical school in the South for African Americans.
Lamman Rucker delivers an outstanding performance as Dr. Johnson, providing indispensable guidance to the students throughout their journey. Meanwhile, Christopher Livingston is brilliant as Michael DuBois, a hardworking African-American student who finds himself competing with Eli. DuBois, son of a successful civil rights attorney, feels the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
The film eloquently explores the evolving relationship between Eli and Michael, who come from distinctly different backgrounds but start realizing the common challenges they face in a racially segregated society. The tension, mistrust, and eventually the bonding between these two characters forms the heart of Service to Man. Despite initial hostilities, they gradually learn to break their own prejudices and stereotypes, forming an unexpected camaraderie under the intense pressure of their challenging medical course.
Service to Man uses the college backdrop to reflect the racial segregation that prevailed in the United States in the 1960s. Throughout the film, encounters with prejudice, explorations of scientific medicine, romantic storylines, and rightful dosages of humor create the emotional tapestry of Eli and Michael’s journey. The students in the college are not only facing academic stress and competition, but they also have to deal with societal pressure and embedded racial biases.
The terrain of Tennessee in the 1960s is powerfully portrayed, helping the viewer to envision the characters' reality. The rural landscapes, societal attitudes, and racial dynamics of the South in that era give the audiences an immersive experience.
Emotionally resonant and filled with compelling performances, Service to Man is a dramatic exploration of racial and cultural isolation, the transformation of a reluctant friendship into a deep brotherhood, and the constant struggle against societal prejudices. The film provides a poignant portrayal of racial discrimination during a volatile period in American history while maintaining a hopeful undercurrent of compassion and empathy.
The title Service to Man is a reference to the Meharry Medical College's motto “Service to Man is the Surest Work of Life”. This ethos is observed throughout the movie, as the protagonists are seen discovering their path of service to society despite countless obstacles.
The strength of Service to Man lies in its ability to narrate a tale of stark realities, friendship, discrimination, and hope without melodramatic moments or preachy dialogues. The movie successfully engages viewers while inciting them to ponder the historical context and evolve their perspectives towards combating prejudice.
Service to Man is a noteworthy watch for anyone drawn to narratives that reflect historical racial complexities, the perseverance of the human spirit, and the quest for equality. This stirring tale reminds us that while medicine can heal bodies, understanding and empathy are required to heal societal biases and prejudices - a lesson still relevant today.
Service to Man is a Drama, History movie released in 2016. It has a runtime of 92 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.5..
How to Watch Service to Man
Where can I stream Service to Man movie online? Service to Man is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD, Fandango at Home. Some platforms allow you to rent Service to Man for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.
