The film is adapted from a true story, telling the story of white doctor Alfred Brelak (Alan Rickman) and black partner Vivian Thomas (Mos Def) breaking racial boundaries, working together to pioneer heart surgery and becoming a pioneer in heart surgery. Dr. Brelak is ambitious and has a unique vision in his career. He discovered Thomas's talent in medicine and began to teach him medical knowledge. At first, Thomas used dogs as experimental subjects. With his extraordinary talent, he quickly mastered the skills of medical theory and surgical practice. Together, they conquered Tetralogy of Fallot (also known as cyanotic babies), but he did not make public Thomas's contribution to this. When Thomas suffered unfair treatment because of his skin color, he chose to remain silent. The two were both master and servant, teacher and friend, and maintained this delicate friendship during their thirty-four-year cooperation. When Thomas was finally recognized and awarded, he silently looked at the portrait of Dr. Brelak and burst into tears.