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Based on a powerful true story and led by note-perfect performances from Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, Philomena offers a profoundly affecting drama for adult filmgoers of all ages.
All Critics (191) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (172) | Rotten (19) | DVD (1)
What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness. Dec 22, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
What at first seems formulaic comedy gains a deeper resonance as we see how they represent two responses to cruelty and injustice -- first outrage, and with time, eventually, forgiveness.
Liam Lacey
It's smart and unsweetened. Dec 10, 2013 | Full Review…
It's smart and unsweetened.
Wesley Morris
Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush. Nov 28, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Even as Philomena embraces the expected feel-good dynamics, it avoids taking the usual path and doesn't paint all of the "evil" nuns with the same brush.
Peter Howell
We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth. Nov 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
We wouldn't care about any of this if the performances were weak. But both actors find complexity and depth.
Jocelyn Noveck
At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty. Nov 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
At its core, this clever, wrenching, profound story underscores the tenacity of faith in the face of unfathomable cruelty.
Ann Hornaday
Director Steven Frears deserves special mention. A lesser filmmaker could so easily have turned this project into mushy, sentimental junk. The tear-jerking moments here are heartfelt and real. It's the kind of filmmaking we see too little of today. Nov 27, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Director Steven Frears deserves special mention. A lesser filmmaker could so easily have turned this project into mushy, sentimental junk. The tear-jerking moments here are heartfelt and real. It's the kind of filmmaking we see too little of today.
Bill Zwecker
Ultimately, Philomena is a film about faith, family and and forgiveness, making it perfect holiday viewing. Apr 17, 2019 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review…
Ultimately, Philomena is a film about faith, family and and forgiveness, making it perfect holiday viewing.
Julie Crawford
The film's tone is bittersweet, with Philomena's deep-seated regret propelling the duo's journey forward at a gentle glide. Apr 9, 2019 | Rating: 7.4/10 | Full Review…
The film's tone is bittersweet, with Philomena's deep-seated regret propelling the duo's journey forward at a gentle glide.
Bernard Boo
Philomena is another Oscar-nominated film which features an older woman, and it left me frustrated... Mar 14, 2019 | Full Review…
Philomena is another Oscar-nominated film which features an older woman, and it left me frustrated...
Ren Jender
Give Dame Judi the damn Oscar Mar 6, 2019 | Full Review…
Give Dame Judi the damn Oscar
Nico Hines
Dench is undoubtedly Philomena's shining light, pouring warmth and heart into the film's remorse-racked heroine. Unfortunately, however, neither Coogan nor his script prove anything like her equals. Mar 5, 2019 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Dench is undoubtedly Philomena's shining light, pouring warmth and heart into the film's remorse-racked heroine. Unfortunately, however, neither Coogan nor his script prove anything like her equals.
Daniel Green
Because the tale is so inherently emotional with its subject matter, all you need is a competent director and a couple of crack actors to wheedle that trajectory out. Feb 1, 2019 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Because the tale is so inherently emotional with its subject matter, all you need is a competent director and a couple of crack actors to wheedle that trajectory out.
PJ Nabarro
A remarkable film in every way. The acting was excellent -- a lifetime of pain and regret can been seen in Dench's eyes at certain times. The script was wonderful -- credibly showing different (but equally valid) reactions to unspeakable injustice by two people of different ages, faith experiences, genders, and educational backgrounds. This is one of my favorite films of 2013.
Super Reviewer
These two unlikely companions are on a journey to find her long lost son. Very Good FIim! Sometimes I get the feeling filmmakers have lost their way. Formulas work and make the basics irrelevant so we get carbon copy blockbusters appealing to the masses clearly showing a reckless disregard for what filmmaking is all about: visually telling a story. And then a film like Philomena comes along and reminds us of the magic that can happen when a true craftsman and artist skillfully blends the basic ingredients of story, character, camera, and music into an exhilarating and powerful work of art. This film is satisfying at every level and gives me hope that some people still know what they are doing when they take the money and do their job effectively. The folks on this one should be extremely proud of their efforts. When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged.
Phenomenal. Par excellence.
The best of the nominated films I've seen so far. If August: Osage County had been nominated as well, it would be a tie for these two. Hats off to Dench and Coogan for their transformative performances.
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