Review of Philadelphia (1993) by Bradford G — 30 Apr 2009

Though dated in style, Jonathan Demme's provocative drama that first brought the topic of HIV/AIDS to mainstream audiences in 1993 runs deep with feeling and importance. Based loosely on the true story of Geoffrey Bowers, "Philadelphia" follows Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) through his discrimination lawsuit against his former employers while he slowly dies of the fatal disease.

While Hanks' performance is justly celebrated, the unsung hero of the film is Denzel Washington as Beckett's attorney, who grapples with his own homophobia while fighting for his gay client's rights.

Despite Becket's inevitable fate, his legal triumph is an important eye-openner about the misunderstood affliction. The result is a movie that is both emotionally devastating and uplifting at once.