Rating of
3/4
Righting Wrongs Is Never Easy
Chris Kavan - wrote on 04/09/14
I have a confession to make - and that is, I'm not a fan of "based-on-true-story" films. Often these films are presented in overly-sentimental tones (see Blindside and A Beautiful Mind) or take great liberties with the source material (Braveheart, JFK). Even some of my favorite films in the genre, like Argo or Bridge on the River Kwai, rewrite history. The problem is I tend to over-analyze films I care about, or simply roll my eyes when things get too sickly sweet. While Philomena isn't perfect, it does the remarkable job of presenting the story that is emotional without feeling like it's trying overpower you with sentimentality while at the same time being true to the real story.
Steve Coogan plays a weary Martin Sixsmith - a one-time journalist who has fallen on hard times and is dealing with some major fallout. Judi Dench is masterfully cast as the titular character, who was forced to give up her son 50 year before and is now on a quest to find out what happened to him. Though Martin is against "human interest" stories - something about Philomena and her story captures his attention and though at first he only gives a half-hearted approach, soon enough he is entrenched in the story, which takes him (and Philmena) to America.
Stephen Frears kind of takes a no-nonsense approach to the film - it's very minimalist in nature. Though the film will stir your emotions - for the most part the emotions on screen are kept in check - though it does break out in key scenes. But the more we learn about Philomena and what she was put through, the more it resonates. You don't have to have huge, bombastic performances all the time - keeping things in check actually works for this film - and gives the ending that much more impact. It's an introspective film - one that will leave you thinking well after the credits roll, and highlights that some things that have been swept under the rug and out of sight should never be forgotten.
There is a good reason Philomena was nominated for a variety of awards - the film sends a powerful message and Coogan and Dench make an unlikely, though perfect, pairing. I always think of Coogan as the funny guy - I think back to Tropic Thunder or the under-appreciated Hamlet 2 - but he proves he has a talent for drama as well. And Dench - what can you say about her that hasn't already been said? She deserves all the accolades she has given. Sure, she was great as M in the latest Bond films, but Philomena is the kind of role where she really shines. This film deserves to be watched - it is a bit slow going, but, in the end, the impact it has more than makes up for a few dull spots. Take it from someone who usually avoids these type of films - this one is a keeper.
