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Documentary

5B (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

5B (2019) movie poster

5B is a 2019 documentary directed by Dan Krauss and Paul Haggis, starring Lorraine Day, Alison Moed Paolercio and Cliff Morrison. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $72,968 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and Hoopla, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$73K
Echo Score
79
5B (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Directors
Dan Krauss and Paul Haggis
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is 5B About?

The premise of 5B without spoilers.

In 1983, the nurses and caregivers of San Francisco General Hospital's Ward 5B challenged established procedures by emphasizing compassion and personalized care. This moving documentary shares intimate stories of their dedication as they comforted and protected patients suffering from AIDS. Through their efforts, Ward 5B became a vital source of humanity and hope during a time of great crisis, honoring the everyday heroes who made a profound difference.

5B Themes & Keywords

· 11 tags
  • aids
  • hospital
  • 1980s
  • san francisco california
  • epidemic
  • medicine
  • aids documentary
  • gay interest
  • california
  • gay
  • san francisco history
Where to watch

Where to Watch 5B

Stream it on Fandango at Home Free and Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

5B Cast & Characters

Lorraine Day leads the cast, with Alison Moed Paolercio and Cliff Morrison. Directed by Dan Krauss and Paul Haggis; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in 5B

· 6 more
Ratings

5B Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave 5B 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in art & craft (65).

79 /100

5B Echo Score Breakdown

5B delivers a compelling documentary that excels in emotional resonance and visual immediacy, though its narrative structure occasionally feels uneven. The film’s focus on compassion and resilience generates a powerful momentum, while some pacing issues and structural digressions emerge from attempts to broaden the context. Archival footage and firsthand accounts provide a vivid sense of place and purpose. Overall, 5B offers an engaging and moving experience despite moments where its storytelling framework could have been more tightly focused.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents striking archival footage balanced against less polished narrative transitions. Direction and editing occasionally divert from the core story, producing moments that feel overextended. Cinematography of the ward scenes, however, captures an intimate perspective with thoughtful framing. On balance, the visual and editorial execution offers meaningful context though uneven pacing slightly diminishes its overall cohesion.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character and emotion, 5B excels in portraying genuine compassion and inner resilience. Firsthand interviews and personal testimonies convey profound empathy without feeling patronizing. The depiction of caregivers and patients offers nuanced insight into their motivations and emotional struggles. Overall, the emotional depth and chemistry within the documentary foster a strong connection with viewers and underscore the human stakes at the film’s center.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary offers a historically significant narrative but occasionally suffers from uneven pacing. Attempts to contextualize broader policy and public opinion sometimes disrupt the central arc of the ward’s founding. At other times, the core chronology remains engaging and informative, tracing the evolution of care with clarity. Overall, the plot is coherent enough to sustain interest, though structural digressions can mute its momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding the sensory experience, the film benefits from carefully curated archival footage and a restrained sound design that enhances immersion. Visual style remains consistent, with a subdued color palette that suits the period setting. While the soundtrack seldom draws attention to itself, it supports the narrative tone effectively. Overall, the audiovisual elements coalesce into a cohesive atmosphere that enriches the documentary’s emotional impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    When considering rewatch value, 5B offers substantive content that may reward further viewings, particularly for its archival records and personal accounts. The film’s informative nature and emotional resonance sustain interest, though some pacing lapses could feel more apparent on subsequent viewings. Nonetheless, the depth of historical detail and the strength of firsthand perspectives lend the documentary lasting appeal. Overall, it maintains sufficient value for repeat engagement.

Box office

5B Box Office

5B grossed $72,968 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$73K

US & Canada
$73K
Details

5B Also Known As

22 alternative titles, including “Пять корешей” and “Da Five Bloods”.

Also known as
  • Пять корешей
  • Da Five Bloods
  • Năm Chiến Hữu
  • 5 เลือดอหังการ
  • Destacamento Blood
  • Da 5 Bloods: Hermanos de armas
  • Da 5 Bloods : Frères de Sang
  • Пятеро одной крови
  • Da 5 Bloods: Irmãos de Armas
  • הזהב של נורמן
  • Da 5 Bloods - Come fratelli
  • Da 5 블러드
+10 more
  • П’ятеро однієї крові
  • Bratrstvo pěti
  • Az 5 bajtárs
  • Pięciu braci
  • 誓血五人组
  • 誓血五人組
  • 5 Sangres
  • ザ・ファイブ・ブラッズ
  • الإخوة الخمسة
  • Fratia celor cinci

Seen 5B?

FAQ

5B FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of 5B, each answered in a sentence.

How long is 5B?

5B runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was 5B released?

5B was released on June 14, 2019.

Who directed 5B?

5B was directed by Dan Krauss and Paul Haggis.

More films by Dan Krauss

Who is in the cast of 5B?

5B stars Lorraine Day, Alison Moed Paolercio and Cliff Morrison, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch 5B?

In the US, 5B is streaming on Fandango at Home Free, Hoopla and Pluto TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did 5B make at the box office?

5B grossed $72,968 worldwide.

How is 5B rated?

5B has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

Does 5B have a post-credit scene?

No. 5B has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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