Lazarus
Lazarus| Genres: | Documentary, Drama |
Description:
In this heartrending documentary, we follow the harrowing journey of Dennis Ziesman as he faces a monumental challenge: conquering stage four cancer. Through raw, unflinching footage and intimate interviews with family members and medical professionals, we bear witness to the resilience and determination of an ordinary man grappling with extraordinary circumstances. The film sheds light on the complexities of modern healthcare and the emotional toll that such a diagnosis can take on a person and their loved ones. As we watch Dennis navigate his treatment regimen, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the unwavering human spirit to overcome adversity. This poignant film serves as both an inspiring tribute to Dennis's courageous battle and a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and support in the face of devastating illness.
Lazarus (2025) is an emotionally charged documentary that pulls at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact. As we follow Dennis Ziesman’s harrowing journey with stage four cancer, the raw and unfiltered footage makes us feel as though we are part of his family. The intimate interviews with medical professionals and loved ones give us a glimpse into the complexities of modern healthcare while also highlighting the emotional toll that such a diagnosis can take on an individual and their support system.
The soundtrack perfectly complements this powerful narrative, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and uplifting. The choice of music at pivotal moments serves to heighten the emotions displayed on screen, drawing us deeper into Dennis’ story. In particular, a hauntingly beautiful piano piece during one of his more difficult treatments was particularly poignant and stayed with me long after the film had ended.
The rating I would give “Lazarus” is 5/5 stars. This film is not only a tribute to Dennis’s incredible strength and resilience in the face of adversity but also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and support when dealing with devastating illnesses. It’s a powerful reminder of the unwavering human spirit, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking an emotionally engaging cinematic experience.
“Lazarus” (2025) unfortunately misses the mark in several areas that prevent it from being an exceptional documentary. The film tries to follow Dennis Ziesman’s battle with stage four cancer as he and his family face this monumental challenge, but falls short due to its overly-dramatic execution. Instead of focusing on the raw, unfiltered emotions and experiences of those affected by such a diagnosis, the movie often comes off as an exaggerated melodrama.
The acting, particularly from Dennis himself, feels forced and stilted at times, making it difficult for viewers to truly connect with his character and feel empathy for his situation. This is further exacerbated by the overly dramatic score which detracts from the intended poignancy of the subject matter. In addition, the documentary fails to provide any fresh insight on modern healthcare or the emotional toll that comes with such a diagnosis. The story feels like a rehash of other similar cancer stories we’ve seen before without offering anything new or meaningful.
As someone who wanted to be moved and inspired by Dennis’s courageous battle, I was left feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The film could have been an important contribution to the conversation around illness and the human spirit, but instead it falls short in its execution and storytelling. With a rating of 9 out of 10 for emotional impact and realism, “Lazarus” unfortunately fails to deliver.
“Lazarus” (2025) is a compelling documentary that chronicles Dennis Ziesman’s courageous fight against stage four cancer. The film presents an honest and raw portrayal of his journey, interspersed with interviews from family members and medical professionals to provide context and insight into the complexities of modern healthcare. While the story may be heavy-hearted at times, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and highlights the importance of empathy in such challenging situations. The acting, while not professionally trained, feels genuine and adds authenticity to the narrative. With an overall rating of 5 (Medium, Neutral), “Lazarus” is a heartrending yet inspirational film that sheds light on the resilience and determination required in confronting life-threatening illnesses.
I couldn’t help but be captivated by “Lazarus”! This heart-wrenching documentary not only shines a light on the intricacies of modern healthcare, but also showcases the incredible strength and resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. With an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that this powerful film left a lasting impact on audiences.
The documentary “Lazarus” offers a raw look into the life of Dennis Ziesman as he battles stage four cancer. How did this film resonate with you? Does it inspire you to empathize more with those facing such challenges, and if so, how?
“Lazarus” (2025) left me utterly emotionally drained yet deeply inspired. The raw and honest approach to capturing Dennis Ziesman’s journey through stage four cancer is nothing short of heartrending. As an audience member, I found myself feeling the weight of his struggle intimately as if it were my own, experiencing a gamut of emotions from despair to hope, anger to love.
The documentary not only provides a window into Dennis’ battle but also delves deep into the complexities of modern healthcare and its impact on individuals and their families. The candid interviews with medical professionals add credibility while the intimate conversations with family members highlight the emotional toll that such a diagnosis can take. This film is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience amid adversity, reminding us of life’s fragility yet reinforcing the power of empathy and support during difficult times.
The atmospheric tone created by the unflinching footage and poignant soundtrack elevates the documentary further. It immerses you in Dennis’ world, making it an intensely personal experience. The music complements the visual narrative seamlessly, evoking a range of feelings from sorrow to strength, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional journey.
In rating “Lazarus”, I would give it an astounding 5 out of 5 stars. This powerful film is more than just a documentary; it’s a deeply moving experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It serves as a cathartic reminder to cherish life, empathize with others, and never underestimate the human capacity to overcome even the darkest of challenges.