a cure to war

six degrees of humanity

Healing the Scars of War, One Smile at a Time

In 1989, a group of 38 American medical volunteers—including seven Vietnam War veterans—embarked on a groundbreaking mission to Vietnam. Led by Operation Smile co-founder Dr. William P. Magee Jr., they aimed to provide free surgeries to children suffering from cleft lips and palates. This mission marked the first return of a U.S.-based nonprofit medical team to Vietnam since the war's end, symbolizing a powerful act of reconciliation and humanity.

Watch on Amazon Prime

See more on IMDb

"A Cure to War: Six Degrees of Humanity" is a poignant documentary that captures this transformative journey. Narrated by actor Craig T. Nelson and directed by Patrick Heaphy, the film delves into personal stories of healing, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of compassion. It showcases how a medical mission transcended political boundaries, fostering connections between former adversaries and bringing hope to countless families.

The Characters

Operation Smile

Bill & Kathy Magee

Film Team

Patrick Heaphy - Director

Craig T. Nelson - Narrator

The United States

Ronald Reagan

Learn More