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Philomena

Philomena (2013)

November. 27,2013
|
7.6
|
PG-13
| Drama

A woman searches for her adult son, who was taken away from her decades ago when she was forced to live in a convent.

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Cebalord
2013/11/27

Very best movie i ever watch

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Stevecorp
2013/11/28

Don't listen to the negative reviews

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Intcatinfo
2013/11/29

A Masterpiece!

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Keeley Coleman
2013/11/30

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

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blrnani
2013/12/01

Though based on a true story, it is the superb acting of the leads that brings out the realism of the situation. There is religious criticism, pointing out how badly the supposedly Christian church fails to deliver on the fundamental Christian messages of love, respect and forgiveness. And yet the lead is able to forgive them, because of the strength of her own faith and the values they embody. Then there is the secular criticism of a USA that was so intolerant of homosexual relationships that it saw AIDs as a punishment from God, just as the Catholic Church regarded pregnancy out of wedlock. But what comes across most strongly for me is the way the relationship between the two leads evolves. To begin with, it's just a job for an out-of-work journalist who has lived the high life and is seething over his unjust fall from grace. He doesn't exactly despise Philomena, but he certainly doesn't respect her. That changes quite radically, but in little almost imperceptible stages, over the course of their investigation, as simple goodness and humanity take center stage, demonstrated in so many subtle ways. I've given this a 7 based on my relative enjoyment compared to other films in my collection, but in terms of cinematic quality, this is at least a 9 - a masterwork that manages to cover layer upon layer of important human issues without at any time flaunting them at the audience.

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Jynjer
2013/12/02

Philomena is a beautifully unpredictable mix of emotions that comes from combining great characters with a great story. The story tells of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) an Irish woman who's son was taken from her by catholic nuns and sold to an American couple in the 1950's, and her struggle to find him with the help of journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan). The mix of Sixsmith's disbelief In human decency with Philomena's trust and forgiveness forms the perfect friendship. Coogan and Dench were undoubtedly the perfect choices for these roles. Philomena is a tough yet stunning and poignant film that's thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end and is justifiably an award winning tale.

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tenshi_ippikiookami
2013/12/03

"Philomena" could be the typical movie that goes for the easy tear and that is cheesy and shallow (kind of like the books the main character seems to read on trips).But Stephen Frears does an amazing job in bringing to life and making us care and worry about Philomena's plight to find the son that was stolen from her. He takes a true and sad story charges it with a punch that will hit most of its viewers really hard.The story is simple. Philomena decides to tell that she had a son, and that she would like to find him. Her daughter meets fallen from grace journalist Martin Sixsmith, who becomes interested in the story. And Philomena and Martin go on a search that will bring a dark truth to light.Frears does a great job on not making this story a show against the Catholic church. He and Coogan and Pope adapting Sixmith's story, do a great job in making this the story of Philomena, of a woman who was robed of her son, and with this, of a part of herself. And Judi Dench is more than amazing as the main character. She is subtle, touching and says so much without having to make a speech or say something deep that even for her high standards, is a revelation. Her Philomena is a woman full of flaws that some people, when meeting, would look from over their shoulders, but then learn to respect her views and her believes. Coogan, as the posh Sixmith, does a great job (even if once or twice it seems he is going into comedic mode) too of showing the "educated" man that can't understand some of Philomena's decisions but that ends caring more about her than about the story. As said, this could be a little bit cheesy but Frears, the actors and the script don't let it become so.This is a great movie, touching, subtle and powerful. Totally worth checking out.

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phoenix0374
2013/12/04

Finally! A movie about what went on in that time era.. a time of cruel hypocrisy, when unwed motherhood was akin to criminal activity.Judy Dench is amazing - she assume the role completely, and portrays the lifetime trauma that has affected everyone who has been a 'victim' of having to relinquish a child to the 'system' or, in this case, 'The Catholic Church'I found this movie heartbreaking, but at least I now have a sense of satisfaction that these atrocities have finally been brought out into the open. Adopted children who were told 'their mother didn't want them' are now given the opportunity to see what REALLY happened.

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