Review of Philadelphia (1993) by Jay H — 19 Jun 2010

Those who know me know that I'm an ardent supporter of gay rights, so don't take this the wrong way. "Philadelphia" is, pure and simple, a gay rights propaganda film. Its purpose is to make a point rather than to tell a story. Its story isn't told in nearly as much detail or as thoroughly as it could have been. The writers instead opt to remind us, time and time again, that the public doesn't like homosexuals and that homosexuals aren't bad people. Great, we get it.

I watched "Philadelphia" to see an interesting legal story about a man suing his employer for wrongful termination, and instead I get a propaganda film disguised as a big-box drama. If you're going to the movies to watch the filmmaker make a point, "Philadelphia" should serve you well. If, like myself, you're there to see good, quality storytelling, this film may not be for you.