Philomena

[The Sparrow]

I have to agree in that I absolutely do not understand Philomena's reaction at the end. It is not hateful to be against injustice. As cathartic as it might be for some people to just decide to forgive, you cannot let people get away with certain things as they will never change otherwise. I think it's good to get angry at this and try to get people to at least apologize instead of saying "You're a hateful person for doing so and I never want to be like that". That's even counter-productive methinks.
I was also a bit uneasy how they portrayed Philomena as this naïve, daft old lady who doesn't know the ways of the world, and playing it for laughs, but I guess they had to get the comedy somewhere, given the subject matter.

I've been told by someone who worked on the film that Philomena was perceived as quite naive in real life (although she ultimately surprised people on that) Plus the accent Dench used was spot on. A mixture of Irish and other acquired accents.

[tibba]

After the last two films (Sunshine on Leith and Gravity), I was relieved to watch a film with an actual story to it. Both OH and I enjoyed the film, and we discussed the different perspectives shown in the film (along with other relevant issues) for some time after we got home from the preview. Great stuff.

[Cinemame]

Wow, I loved this so much. A film that can render every emotion within you at once - laughter, sadness, surprise, anger, frustration, loss and hope. A wonderful, true story, with so many twists enriched by great direction with first class acting from the faultless Judi Dench, supported admirably by Steve Coogan at his best and the excellent Mare Winningham. Understated and magnificent. My film of the year and I hope it receives the awards it deserves. 10/10. Superb!

[martadelas]

It was quite good, and upon leaving the cinema I thought it was great, but as the emotion of it faded I was left a bit underwhelmed. For the most part the movie skimmed the surface on all the issues, it barely got into the characters' motivations, actions and reactions. I appreciate that it was nicely told and well acted, but I believe it could have been so much more.

8/10

[LondonCityNights]

I have to agree in that I absolutely do not understand Philomena's reaction at the end. It is not hateful to be against injustice. As cathartic as it might be for some people to just decide to forgive, you cannot let people get away with certain things as they will never change otherwise. I think it's good to get angry at this and try to get people to at least apologize instead of saying "You're a hateful person for doing so and I never want to be like that". That's even counter-productive methinks.
I was also a bit uneasy how they portrayed Philomena as this naïve, daft old lady who doesn't know the ways of the world, and playing it for laughs, but I guess they had to get the comedy somewhere, given the subject matter.

Philomena's forgiveness of the nuns is a demonstration that this "fallen woman" is a better Christian than they'll ever be.

[Neil]

Great film. Saw it at a packed WIQ. Managed to get Premiere Seats.
It's horrific what the nuns got up to.

[Beate]

Philomena's story in her own words:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/artic ... e-son.html

[newbjohny]

I went to see a preview of this, with no prior knowledge of the movie except who were in. I was pleasantly surprised. Excellent acting by Judi, she just gets better as she gets older and equally good acting by Steve. A heartbreaking storyline, delivered excellently by the two. A must see of 2013.

[McG]

I've just read the article posted by Beate and it's good to see that the film does present Philomena's story in a reasonably accurate manner. The extra information about her early life, marriage and children are very useful as it does explain how she got "caught" in the first place. Sad story but at least Philomena has some peace now.

[Ms Thrifty]

Finally got to see this and - amazingly - OH overcome his Steve Coogan-related scruples to accompany me and enjoyed it, as did I. It was worth the wait, but why is it so hard to get people to see a film which has been almost universally admired?

Good to see an almost-full auditorium at our local, council-run arts centre, which I'm obviously keen to support, and they have a loyalty card, though you have to see 9 films in order to get the 10th free, so as they tend not to get films in the first week of release, it could be a long time before I qualify for my freebie!