Help?

Back when I first saw this short on What a Cartoon! Show in 1996, I didn't get that it was a biting commentary on health care, I just found it an entertaining Rocko's Modern Life-style cartoon. While the short was made in Italy, its themes could easily apply to our health care system in America: The unnecessary tests, the poor bedside manner, the disregard for what the patient's telling the doctor, the maze that is the modern hospital, the reluctance on the part of the patient to receive further medical care even if something's wrong with them (usually because of how costly it is); all of that is wrapped in a very entertaining cartoon. The short is mostly told in pantomime and physical comedy; the only word uttered is "Help!" The presentation is top notch: It's fully animated and has an appropriately frenetic score that weaves in various classical pieces. Very memorable character designs as well, especially Jof with his fluffy tail that always seems to get in the way.

The only aspects it doesn't really touch are the high costs of health care (at least in the U. S.) and the agonizing amount of waiting. Jof manages to be seen by a doctor almost immediately. That's really realistic.

It's easily found online; go watch it if you haven't.