'Philomena' had so much going for it. An incredible true story, an attention-grabbing trailer that immediately made me want to see it, a talented director responsible for some good and more projects and a talented cast on board (doesn't get much better than Judi Dench).Am so glad about seeing 'Philomena'. It is one of the classic examples of films based on true stories/real events that treats its subject with respect and honesty, rather than any rose-tinting, "Hollywood-ising" or taking sides. It is also a classic example of a film that makes me proud to be a Brit, really like these kinds of films so never doubted that 'Philomena' would be good. It is a film that balances pathos, a little humour, insight and truth perfectly while executing the individual elements every bit as much, something that not many films do as successfully, and one that can be enjoyed by any age or gender, pretty much anybody really, without any prejudice or generalising.It is a lovely looking film, not flashy, gimmicky or over-cinematic (a good thing because it is not that kind of film) but the beautiful scenery and slick photography is effective and elegant in its simplicity without being simplistic or TV film quality. It suits the gentle tone beautifully. Stephen Frears' direction is tightly controlled and sympathetic, bringing his own personality while doing an even better job at accommodating the two leads and their chemistry together. The music is pleasant and understated, not bombastic or intrusive which considering the subject would have been the completely wrong approach. Steve Coogan's script is one of 'Philomena's biggest strengths. Of all the films seen recently, the script here is one of the cleverest and most beautifully balanced. Particularly standing out elements-wise are the heart-breaking pathos and the thought-provoking insight. Everything here feels very honest and there is even some gentle ironic humour to stop things from being too serious that brings a smile to one's face and makes one laugh.The story, an incredible story done justice, is told beautifully, having some breathing space to give depth to the characters and content while also being alert that things never become dull. It refrains from artistic license to try to appeal to younger viewers which was appreciated. There are some nicely done and genuinely surprising twists and the ending just about rang true, although there may be some viewers questioning the moral aspect. 'Philomena' excels in not taking sides or being one-sided, the characters are charming while not shown to be too perfect and nobody is vilified or painted unfavourably. In lesser hands or given the Hollywood treatment this would most likely not be the case, love biopics but they have not always had a track record at sticking to the truth.Other than the script, it's the cast that's also particularly good. The supporting cast are all strong and well-suited but it's the two leads that shine most. Their chemistry sparkles and Coogan is amusing but also very compassionate, a remarkably nuanced performance. Even better is Dench, who is simply outstanding in every sense and allows one to root for her character every step of the way and relating to her in a terrible situation.In conclusion, a beautiful film in every meaning of the word. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Great plot, this had the potential to be a fantastic movie but the main character/s never had obstacles to over come. Everything was just all of a sudden handed to them and it just ruined the movie for me. But other than that it was kinda a good movie and it should have run a bit longer

I liked this movie.Superbly acted by Judy Dench and a somewhat subdued Steve Coogan in the lead roles, this film is yet another screen adaptation of a true story. I am not a huge fan of Steve Coogan, as while conceding that he is a talented writer and comic actor, I have always felt that most of his performances are merely 're-runs' of his first and finest creation – the infamous Alan Partridge. Everything that Coogan has done since those early days of Alan Partridge to my mind he was still Alan Partridge, and the joke has long since grown somewhat tired. It seems that few, if any critics and reviewers were willing to admit this, maybe for fear of somehow appearing to be un-cool….Then Philomena came along. Coogan not only co-wrote this brilliantly funny and poignant screenplay, but also provided the performance of his life. If this had been released in a year when there were not so many outstanding candidates for the best actor Oscar, then I am sure he would have been in with a shout. On the face of it, the story seems a bit grim – and indeed it is. But the screenplay and superlative acting ensures that the movie rises above what might have been just another depressing attack on the scandals of the Catholic church, to the level of something that is a lot more heartening and entertaining. It is the true story of an elderly Irish woman who tries to trace her son who she was forced to give up for adoption by catholic nuns back in the 1950's, when she conceived and delivered out of wedlock. She herself was forced to live at the convent and work in the convent laundry until she became a legal adult. Helping her in this task is Martin Sixsmith, (Coogan), a one-time BBC reporter who became a spin-doctor for the first Labour government before being made a scapegoat and dismissed in disgrace.A disillusioned and cynical Sixsmith somewhat reluctantly takes on the project to help Philomena track down her baby and write the story for an even more hard-bitten magazine editor. The unlikely couple travel to Ireland and then to the USA, and finally back to Ireland in their efforts to track down Philomena's long lost son. The interaction between the 'odd couple' is magical. It is humorous, sad and ultimately enriching as two people from very different worlds and backgrounds join together on a journey of discovery.This is in a world which contains a cruel, narrow-minded and self- righteous church that still functions with impunity, and a world in which someone like Philomena has so much strength from her simple, catholic faith that she seeks no vengeance for what happened to her, and to thousands like her. She simply wants to find her son. Predictably, Sixsmith rails against the terrible injustices. From the opening credits, you never doubt for one second that you are watching real people behaving in real situations and you become totally immersed in their fascinating quest. The film's 98 minutes flash by.Philomena was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Screenplay and Best Music, but of course- it didn't win any of them. But go see it – you will be entertained, I promise you.

it could be a wise adaptation of a page from past. it could be beautiful demonstration of high performance. but it is only a superb film. for its universal story because it is the story of a mother looking the truth. Judi Dench does not only a great job but impose the right tone to a very delicate subject. a film who propose a way to accept the past, to use the mercy as answer to profound pain, to imagine alternative future, to define yourself front to new facts who are parts from a lost happiness. a film like support for reflection. about a case. or about society and its rules. a film who has chance to not only reflect an experience. but to propose a touching, useful solution against the fear to be yourself. because, it is a brilliant film about courage.