Based on a true story and the book of the same name, "My Own Country" tells the story of an East Indian doctor who settles in Johnson City, Tennessee. The doctor's name is Abraham 'Abe' Verghese, and he specializes in infectious diseases.

It's 1985, and AIDS is spreading from the big cities to the rural areas. Abraham takes AIDS as his personal crusade and is soon well-known for his compassion and non-judgemental treatment. He soon becomes overwhelmed with patients from the surrounding states, which strains his marriage.

The victims include a conservative Christian couple who have hid their disease for fear of rejection, as well a trucker's wife who has contracted the disease from her husband. Obviously, the disease causes severe turmoil for these people, who have to come to grips not only with the disease, but how they contracted it and how they will be viewed once people know they have it.

Another couple of two middle aged men who were childhood sweethearts from the age of 7. One of them has AIDS and is more worried about who's going to take care of his partner when he dies than about himself.

The gay community was unaware of AIDS when Abraham Verghese came to Johnson City. But soon this would change.

Several patients are gay and Abraham learns and gets respect for the gay lifestyle. 

A very moving story that is definatly worth to see. The interaction between Abraham and his patients is heartwarming.

Especially the story of the two gay men who loved each other since they were 7 years old is very emotional.

Abe: I didn't think his heart would quit so quickly. I wanted to give him another few months.
Surgical nurse: Well, they are all going to die aren't they? There's not much point to this.
Abe: Can you tell me what's the point in keeping 90-year old patients who are braindead alive? Or if you were in the same boat, would you like an extra year of life? Or would you think there's no POINT to that?

Nurse: Lord, I die for a man to love me like that.

Lloyd: I myself have lost all libido. What was once an act of love, of joy, an act of life, has become an act of death for me. There is nothing for me now but horror.

Video

DVD