Review of Philadelphia (1993) by Simon H — 06 Jun 2014

A brave move by the studios to release in the early 90's, Philadelphia is one of those movies which you can't fault. The story is simple, solid and not too heavy to follow. The movie does jump into a flashback occasionally but these are presented well and are easy to follow. Characters are played perfectly by the actors chosen. You really do believe Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are in court fighting. Hanks really does deserve the Oscar for his performance but how Washington wasn't even nominated is puzzling. Hank's performance is an emotional one especially as it gets nearer and nearer to the end of his life. The conclusion to the story gives you one of those rare movies with an ending that is both sad and warm at the same time.

The movie was so perfect yet simple that I am struggling to say what is great about it. It is easier to watch for yourself and let the message reach you first hand. If I had to be picky and choose a flaw then it would have been that Bruce Springsteen's Street of Philadelphia deserved to be played once more over the closing credits.