It is rarely that one feels inclined to give a movie a perfect score, but Philomena comes as close as it gets.
Based on true events, we follow Philomena's (Judi Dench) search to discover the fate of her son, brutally taken from her and sold to rich Americans by Catholic nuns as a baby born out of wedlock. A hardened journalist (Steve Coogan) reluctantly joins her quest, won over by her sincerity and by the prospect of acquiring a gripping 'human interest' story.
The film is superbly paced and avoids sentimentality. It uses humour but in a subtle manner so that its role in heightening the tragic elements of the plot by contrast is not overbearing. And visually it is highly watchable.
Although the story of the horrors inflicted on single mothers by the Catholic Church has been told before, Judi Dench's superb performance (10++) elevates this production to a special plane. It is worth seeing this movie just to be able to see her in action in a part that does justice to her talents. Coogan is also good here (I was less impressed by his efforts in 'What Maisie Knew') though he wobbles just a little in places - but for that I would have scored the movie a 10.
Sophie Kennedy Clark must also be mentioned for her totally convincing portrayal of the young Philomena. The scene in which she labours to deliver her child is literally breathtaking.
Of its kind, this is top quality cinema. Highly recommended.
(Viewed at Screen 1, The Cornerhouse, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK on 7th November 2013)
Based on true events, we follow Philomena's (Judi Dench) search to discover the fate of her son, brutally taken from her and sold to rich Americans by Catholic nuns as a baby born out of wedlock. A hardened journalist (Steve Coogan) reluctantly joins her quest, won over by her sincerity and by the prospect of acquiring a gripping 'human interest' story.
The film is superbly paced and avoids sentimentality. It uses humour but in a subtle manner so that its role in heightening the tragic elements of the plot by contrast is not overbearing. And visually it is highly watchable.
Although the story of the horrors inflicted on single mothers by the Catholic Church has been told before, Judi Dench's superb performance (10++) elevates this production to a special plane. It is worth seeing this movie just to be able to see her in action in a part that does justice to her talents. Coogan is also good here (I was less impressed by his efforts in 'What Maisie Knew') though he wobbles just a little in places - but for that I would have scored the movie a 10.
Sophie Kennedy Clark must also be mentioned for her totally convincing portrayal of the young Philomena. The scene in which she labours to deliver her child is literally breathtaking.
Of its kind, this is top quality cinema. Highly recommended.
(Viewed at Screen 1, The Cornerhouse, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK on 7th November 2013)