Review of Philomena (2013) by Jesse O — 17 Apr 2014

Excellent film showcasing the cruelty of those that, supposedly, chose to become nuns in order to help the weak and needy. I'm certain the film took some creative licenses, as the main antagonist of the film, Sister Hildegarde, died 8 years before Sixsmith started his investigation.

Is the film anti-catholic? You could say so. But, to be fair, isn't the catholic religion anti-everything? Everything that feels good, that doesn't harm anybody in anyway, is a sin and you're condemned to an eternity of suffering because of it.

It's like Sixsmith said, why would god bestow us with sexual desires if he then wants us to resist it? Whether the film is anti-catholic isn't for me to say, as I am not a catholic and I never will be.

But I think those who DO say that it is anti-catholic are simply simplifying something a very complex issue. The issue whether or not catholicism is portrayed negatively, the issue is what the nuns' interpretation of that faith made them do.

Granted, all the nuns weren't portrayed negatively, but they fact some of them felt closer to god because of the fact they WERE nuns gave them the right to judge others and do horrible things to them.

Not physically, but separating a child from her mother, by force, is about the lowest thing you can do when you're supposed to help people and I think the film shines a spotlight on that and people who claim the film is anti-catholic are, indirectly, justifying these nuns' actions.

And that is unacceptable. But anyway, I found the film excellent and Judi Dench delivers, as is usual, an incredible performance. Steve Coogan is a little more subtle in his character, but he's also excellent.

It's interesting to see the relationship between the two and how their view of religion, one is a believer and the other is an atheist, affects how they view the nuns' actions. Philomena looks at it in as positive, I guess would be the right term, and she doesn't try to blame those responsible for separating her from her son.

Sixsmith is the exact opposite, choosing to go after these nuns even if it's the last thing he does. Personally, I think Philomena was a little naive and too forgiving towards these people that sold her son to an American family.

She never got to see him alive again, never got to know him and how he was and she so easily forgives the nuns for their actions. It doesn't make her a better person, I think it just makes her a little naive.

I'm not saying that I don't admire her strength in doing what she did, I'm just saying that it was still a little naive. But I've got no right to judge her, that was her son and she made what she felt was the right decision for her own well-being.

With that said, I found the story to be touching and tragic at the same time. Particularly seeing how, as he was dying, he went back to Ireland to search for his mother and seeing how the nuns lied to a dying man to protect their own interests.

It was quite something to see. But the film has a strong script with humor and heart in spades. I can't say enough good about this film, it's definitely worth watching, great story and a great cast.