Breathe

Set in the late 1950s, the film portrays a period when polio survivors faced long recoveries and limited mobility. Medical care centers on life-support and emerging assistive devices, while attitudes toward disability are evolving. The era frames debates about quality of life, independence, and humane treatment within medical systems.

The story begins in 1958 Kenya, where Robin's illness sets the stage for confinement and rapid medical challenges. The Cavendish family eventually brings his care home to Britain, shifting the setting from hospital wards to domestic spaces and open roads. The movement between continents underscores the transition from institutional care to a life shaped by mobility and family support.

💪 Resilience

Robin's determination to live independently despite paralysis drives the narrative. Diana's unwavering support sustains him and fuels his emotional and physical recovery. The film emphasizes hope, endurance, and the ability to redefine limitations through perseverance.

🛠️ Innovation

The creation of a mobile respirator chair and an adaptable van show how practical engineering can expand a disabled person’s world. Teddy Hall's iterative improvements, alongside medical collaborators, turn ideas into life-changing devices. Technology is framed as a means of liberation rather than mere sustenance.

🤝 Care and Humanity

The story critiques rigid hospital routines and champions humane treatment for the disabled. It highlights the emotional labor of families and clinicians who prioritize dignity and autonomy. Public demonstrations and conferences emphasize patients' rights and compassionate care.

⏳ End of Life

Robin makes a deliberate choice about long-term life support in light of medical risks and quality of life. The decision underscores personal autonomy and ethical complexity in end-of-life scenarios. The farewell party marks a meaningful, hopeful conclusion to a life that transformed many others.