Review of Philomena (2013) by Tyler M — 27 Jun 2014
As a teen in the Catholic Church, Philomena Lee had a one-chance encounter with a dashing young man leads to sex, and the birth of her son, Anthony. Upon the third year of her four-year punishment, Anthony is taken away from Philomena by the nuns. Fifty years later, the elderly Philomena (Judi Dench) has finally told someone about her long-lost son. With the help of frowned journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), she will ventures forth to try and find her son.
Whereas it was not what I expected, I still found myself thinking Philomena is a great film. It delves into the themes of corruption in religions, faith, and forgiveness, in a very interesting way. The differing personalities between the devout Philomena Lee and the atheist Martin Sixsmith makes for a fascinating symbiosis in a surrogate mother-son relationship. And of course, Judi Dench is wonderful as always and Steve Coogan is a rough delight.
The heartbreaking story is delicately written by Jeff Pope & Steve Coogan. It's not an all-out sob story like A.I., but it still leaves the audience heartbroken one moment, laughing the next, and engrossed most.
Poignant, powerful, sweet, loving and full of surprises, Philomena is an unfortunate but endearing tale that you, and mostly your mom, will greatly enjoy.
*** out of ****.
FINAL VERDICT: 79%.
This review of Philomena (2013) was written by Tyler M on 27 Jun 2014.
Philomena has generally received very positive reviews.
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