Inspired by true events, Patch Adams, is the story of a man unafraid of change, who was willing to challenge the normal ways of his profession in order to bring happiness, health and humour to the lives of the sick and the less fortunate.

The movie is based on the life and career of Dr. Hunter Campbell “Patch” Adams, M.D. who is an American physician, social activist, citizen diplomat, professional clown, performer and author. His methods of treatment included performing comedy skits, creating intimate personal relationships with the patients and focusing on their well-being and emotional needs, in addition to their physical ones. He is also an advocate for free healthcare and founder of the Gesundheit! Institute, a free community hospital in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, USA.

Needless to say, Patch’s unorthodox methods landed him in trouble multiple times, both as a medical student and as a physician. But through it all he manages to convince people that it is as important to heal a person’s soul as much as his body. One of his firmest beliefs is that “treating a disease of the body is a win-lose situation, but treating a person’s spirit guarantees a win, regardless of the outcome.”

Patch Adams starred Academy Award winners Robin Williams and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and was directed by Tom Shadyac.

Click here to watch the trailer.