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During this time of the year, many of us gather together with our families to celebrate the holidays. But, for some, the holidays are a reminder of the loved ones who can’t be with us. Director Stephen Frears’s charming real-life drama, Philomena, follows one woman on a life-changing journey to bring her family together after 50 years apart.
Philomena tells the true story of an Irish woman’s quest to find her long-lost son. As a young woman, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) found herself pregnant and alone. Her father disowned her, sending her to a nearby abbey, where the nuns delivered her son, Anthony, and cared for them both. In exchange, she was treated poorly and forced to pay for her sins by working in the abbey for four years—during which time Anthony was taken from her and given up for adoption.
For years, Philomena kept her story quiet. But then, on her son’s fiftieth birthday, she opens up to her daughter, who enlists the help of disgraced journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), who reluctantly agrees to help Philomena find her son.
At its heart, Philomena is a tragic story—the true story of a young woman who was forced to give up her child and spend decades suffering in silence. Especially if you have children of your own, it’s the kind of gut-wrenching tale that will break your heart and make you want to race home from the theater to hug your kids.
Fortunately, though, it’s not all doom and gloom. While you’ll definitely feel outraged by the nuns’ actions—and your heart will go out to this poor, mistreated woman—you’ll also find yourself caught up in the film’s charm and easy-going humor.
Philomena—the character—is lovingly written and beautifully portrayed. She’s a simple, straightforward woman who loves God, her family, and romance novels. She’s also kind-hearted and lovably flighty, with a refreshingly childlike enthusiasm for each new experience. At the same time, though, Dench gives her just the right amount of cheek. She says exactly what’s on her mind, and she’s quick to put her traveling companion in his place.
Coogan’s Martin, meanwhile, may be an unlikely partner for this spunky senior, but he couldn’t be more perfect for the role. He’s cynical and sarcastic, and he tends to say and do the things that viewers just happen to be thinking at the time. And although he initially underestimates Philomena, he ends up learning from her along the way.
Though Philomena’s story is definitely an emotional one, the lovable cast and clever writing take a difficult situation and turn it into a delightful drama—one that will touch your heart and make you smile (and often even laugh) through the tears. So if you’re looking for a movie to see with your mom this holiday season, join in the journey with Philomena.
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