Review of Philadelphia (1993) by Russell G — 12 Feb 2014

Considering this debuted in 1993, this is a brave yet sensitive statement about the controversial subjects of AIDS and homosexuality. The story is infinitely more interesting and far easier to digest with its courtroom-drama format.

Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks both deliver very strong acting performances. Hanks plays his part in such a way that he helps break down stereotypes by showing that homosexuals are not so different from straight people.

There are a few sincere moments between the main character and his partner, played by Antonio Banderas and a warm family visit. This is nice, but it treads too lightly and does not attempt to get very emotional.

I feel like the climactic opera scene between Hanks and Washington is not particularly effective. Once again, this shortchanges the story's positive emotion. It finds a nice middle ground that effectively shows the ugliness of the AIDS disease but shows tasteful restraint and does not go into too far with painful details.

The ending is predictably sad, but the character transformation of Denzel Washington's character helps soften the blow. It is an inspiring movie, and the good acting along with the quality courtroom drama makes it a strong movie.