The various aspects of the transplantation scandals in Germany led to a reduction in organ donation and a massive feeling of doubts in the general population. This prompted us to analyze in detail how transplantation and potential organ trafficking is presented in commercial movies. Therefore, we used the 1978 movie "Coma" by Michael Crichton and the German TV movie "Fleisch" (international title: "Spare Parts") by Rainer Erler. The plots of both movies were analyzed and compared with the German "transplantation scandal" as well as what is known about organ trafficking in China. We found that the German scandal was not organ trafficking in the closer sense. The movie "Coma" is unrealistic for several reasons, but good entertainment. In contrast, the movie "Fleisch" does indeed reflect some aspects of illegal and inhuman organ trafficking observed in China. Movies may deal with unpleasant and controversial subjects with which the average viewer has no contact. Movies can open doors into unknown worlds and may also influence the attitudes and opinions of the viewers. Consequently, we are convinced that our analysis can be important for nephrologists and physicians involved in organ transplantation. © 2017 Dustri-Verlag Dr. Karl Feistle ISSN 0300-5224.

Transplantation Scandal Michael Crichton Coma" Organ Transplantation In China Rainer Erler Fleisch" Analysis Of Movies Organ trafficking

nephrologist China Germany organ transplantation Review coma organ donor organ trafficking human attitude