"Earnest" is the word that best describes this film. Like the portrayal of the main character, the film is earnest but not so lively. As a bio pic, there’s a lot of story to tell. Filmmakers interweave flashbacks to China in order to bring us up to speed on Dr. Wang’s background. He seems to be an outstanding man, but filmgoers also want to be entertained. Once the main points are made, those points begin to repeat instead of build. The languid third act sports an epilogue by the actual Dr. Wang who smiles a lot more than the actor who portrayed him. Dr. Wang invites you to join the cause.

All of that said, the world could use more films that remind us to help others.