Philomena

[MEB]

I'm surprised there wasn't already a thread on this film!

About the movie (from RottenTomatoes): "Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, PHILOMENA focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee (Dench), mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock - something her Irish-Catholic community didn't have the highest opinion of - and given away for adoption in the United States. In following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn't allow for any sort of inquiry into the son's whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith (Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son."

My wife and I saw it today and we loved it! Another terrific movie in a year of many terrific movies! Judi Dench will surely get an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and Steve Coogan is likely to get a Supporting nom too.

The Booth Bijou gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars! The Blu-ray will be mine!

Mark

[spanky87]

I thought Philomena was pretty dope.

[King Troll]

Originally Posted by spanky87

I thought Philomena was pretty dope.

best way to describe this film

[HyperRealist]

are there explosions?

[MikeScott]

I've heard great things. I think it looks really enjoyable. I love Judi Dench. Definitely want to see it when it opens here.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by MikeScott

I've heard great things. I think it looks really enjoyable. I love Judi Dench. Definitely want to see it when it opens here.

It's a very warm film, be sure to check it out ASAP. It really stole my heart.

Judi Dench embodies her character. I was stunned!

[SilentDawn]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

It's a very warm film, be sure to check it out ASAP. It really stole my heart.

Judi Dench embodies her character. I was stunned!

+1

I just got back from it and what a perfomance by Judi Dench!

Overall it's a good film but it's her performance that elevates it, really enjoyed it.

4/5

[MikeScott]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

It's a very warm film, be sure to check it out ASAP. It really stole my heart.

Judi Dench embodies her character. I was stunned!

I absolutely will once it comes here.

[chris_sc77]

Great little film.
Such a nice surprise that doesnt waste any time at all .
Loved this story and the way it was filmed and how it all unfolded.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by chris_sc77

Great little film.
Such a nice surprise that doesnt waste any time at all .
Loved this story and the way it was filmed and how it all unfolded.

I agree, when you read the synopsis of the film it sounds like a complete downer, which for the most part is... but

watching Dench and Coogan's interaction and acting is just spellbinding. This won the audience award at the Virginia Film Festival at the beginning of November (where I saw it) and it shows.

[toddly6666]

So Judi Dench is playing the older Jennifer Connelly character? The spider effects any good?

[MikeScott]

Magdalene asylums (also known as laundries) were institutions from the late 1700's to the late 1990's that operated throughout Europe, Australia, and North America, and were used to house “fallen women.” Named after Mary Magdalene, the object of these institutions (a nicer name for the prisons they really were) was to reform women deemed unclean by society's standards. These consisted of prostitutes, women with children out of wedlock, victims of physical and sexual abuse (the men were able to stave off any sort of blame), and even women who were just considered too attractive and must be locked away to protect their moral purity. In these laundries the women were enslaved against their will and forced to labor without pay. They endured physical and mental abuse meant to shame and dehumanize them. The first asylum in Ireland opened in 1765 and the last closed in 1996. During this time it is estimated that at least 30,000 women had been incarcerated.

“Philomena,” adapted from the 2009 book “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, tells the true story of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), an Irishwoman who decides to find the son she was forced to give up for adoption 50 years earlier. After becoming pregnant at the age of 18, Philomena was disowned by her father and banished to a convent. At the age of three her son, Anthony, was taken from her by the nuns and sold to America for adoption. Philomena was coerced into signing away her parental rights by the Mother Superior and convinced she'd 'burn in the fires of hell' if she ever uttered a word about her 'shameful secret.' Over the years Philomena started a family but remained haunted by the whereabouts of her son and wanting to know if he's had a good life. When she lets her daughter in on the secret she's kept for so many years, her daughter enlists the help of journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) to assist in reuniting mother and son.

The film is directed by Stephen Frears, a British veteran whose eclectic credits include “High Fidelity,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” and the Academy Award nominated “The Queen.” His direction is quietly assured, and he wisely allows his two stars to propel and define the film. The incomparable Judi Dench delivers an endearing performance of heartbreaking subtlety. It's fairly restrained but you can feel the pain she's feeling beneath the surface. Dench never fails to impress, but this is one of my favorite performances of hers, in addition to being one of the best of the year. It's a departure from the steely quality she's brought to the role of M in the James Bond franchise. She's been working in the industry for years but this performance is proof that she is capable of surprising and remaining fresh. Also playing against type is Steve Coogan (“Tropic Thunder,” “Hot Fuzz”), who is best known for comedic roles. Not that his role in this is void of humor. This is just a more serious role for him and it's a welcome departure. He also co-wrote the script. I really enjoyed the odd couple pairing of these two people. She a woman who has managed to keep her faith despite the injustice done to her. He an atheist who can't understand how she can be so ready to forgive. This contrast in opinion makes for some intelligent and humorous exchanges of dialogue between them.

I knew the basic storyline of “Philomena” but didn't know the outcome of the story. I'm glad I didn't as it made the film all the more engrossing. It definitely took some unexpected turns. This is a really beautiful story, however tragic, about the lasting connection a mother has to her child. I really can't imagine what it would be like to have this happen but the movie does a great job of putting you in this situation. I really empathized with Philomena and wanted her to find the answers she was seeking.

“Philomena” is, by definition, a crowd-pleaser. A tearjerker that earns your tears in organic fashion, never coming off as manipulative. Despite the heavy themes this really isn't a depressingly dark film. While the story sheds light on a sad subject the film is actually quite funny at times thanks to a witty script. It deftly juggles humor and sorrow; seamlessly transitioning between the two. This is a small film with a big heart and one of the year's finest. This deserves to find an audience.

Grade: A

[Scottie]

I was lucky to see this last week and I loved it.

Excellent performances all the way around and a wonderful story.

[Cinemach]

Adroitly scripted and directed, this is really the lead actors' film and they come to the fore with it. Coogan curbs his comic persona somewhat to adequately inhabit the frustrated but stalwart journalist Sixsmith, while Dench is just fantastic as the titular character who seeks the sunny side to everything, informed by her rejection of an anger and bitterness that could easily have been her purview. Terrific acting of the highest order here.

It's definitely an awards-bait, crowd-pleaser type of film, yes, but that is not a denigration of its charms - it doesn't just waste on that pedigree like many other films of that ilk do. Recommended.

[Tony208]

looks good but i'll wait

how is King Troll always suspended?

[Mandalorian]

Arg, I have to see this! Hopefully before Christmas. Can't decide if to see this, Nebraska, or Inside Llewyn Davis on the one day before Christmas that I'll be able to make it to a theater.

[BluBonnet]

I thought it was totally ador

[growler]

Saw it today & liked it. It won't be in theaters long. Great performances by the stars & supporting cast.

I think some of the longer posts in this thread should have some spoiler tags. All that need be known is an old woman searches for a child she gave up long ago. Not necessary to explain the circumstances or the country where the adoptive parents were from. I know it caught me by surprise.