One of the most unapologetic documentaries to grace the screen this year comes from doctor-turned-director Ryan McGarry, who takes audiences behind the scenes of Los Angeles County Hospital and opens our eyes to the real life struggles and constant chaos of the emergency room in Code Black. The winner of “Best Documentary” at the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival, Code Black is finally getting its’ Los Angeles release this Friday.

It may be difficult to think of doctors as “regular” people- after all, we do trust them with our lives and naively want to think they are superhuman. McGarry does a great job of not only humanizing the young doctors-in-training that he interviews but gives them a chance to share their personal stories; Why these people got into the field of medicine and how they continue to press on despite the grueling hours and mounds of paperwork is dedication and motivating to see.

Code Black  is not for the weak of stomach (or those with phobias of blood), as it pushes the boundaries of investigative journalism to the limit, while remaining grounded in its sympathetic nature.

McGarry doesn’t hesitate to show the reality of how the current healthcare system is not working for the doctors and patients at LA County Hospital. A number ranking system that determines when patients are seen is the last resort for doctors, who sympathize with patients, some of whom have to wait an upwards of 20 hours to be seen. This is what doctors call “Code Black,” the worst-case scenario, the busiest of days. Unfortunately, McGarry points out that “Code Blacks” are all too common nowadays.

Politics play a large role in the film, especially focusing on how America’s current healthcare system is failing. Due to the tough work environment and low wages, we learn that in a four-month span, fifteen nurses quit LACH. The impact of their absence only adds further frustration to the situation and the tension is made extremely clear in the film.

Code Black is not for the weak of stomach (or those with phobias of blood), as it pushes the boundaries of investigative journalism to the limit while remaining grounded in its sympathetic nature. Nothing is included for “shock” and “awe,” but for driving its’ passionate point home. Although, there is a lot of blood (don’t say I didn’t warn you.) The camerawork adds to the film’s intensity- we view operations as if we were standing right behind the doctors, providing a high-energy experience.

As if working as a doctor full time isn’t enough stress, Ryan McGarry found the time to make not just make a film, but an award-winning one. Code Black serves as a reality check of life in a County Hospital, dealing with hot-button issues that may never fully get resolved, but it’s the planting of the seed that we, the audience, can make a difference.