Philadelphia

Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Antonio Banderas, Joanne Woodward, Robert Ridgely, Charles Napier, Tracey Walter, Roger Corman
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: When a lawyer with AIDS (Tom Hanks) is suddenly fired from his law firm, he begins a quest to sue them for discrimination. He teams with an rival lawyer (Denzel Washington) to wage a battle not only for AIDS, for for the gay community as well.

Review:

Tim: Philadelphia sets out with two controversial topics in mind- the AIDS virus and homosexuality. This being the first movie to have AIDS as its firstmost topic serves to explain its historical importance. This film is at times difficult to watch, as it regularly discusses topics that many Americans would rather not watch, talk about, or even think about. The film shows the prejudice an American with AIDS faces on a daily basis (at least in the early 1990s)... and it will astound and shock you.

The film itself is of very good quality. My two favorite actors in the world are 1. Tom Hanks and 2. Denzel Washington, so this film appealed to me immensely for those two men. Tom Hanks in his Oscar-winning performance is outstanding. He is transformed from a healthy, hot shot attorney into a man that is dying from AIDS. You will be amazed as you watch the work that slowly deteriorates Hanks' form, and be amazed at how sickly he looks by the ending of the film. I should also mention his fearlessness in taking a role of a man not only suffering from AIDS, but who is gay as well. The role itself must have been incredibly taxing on him, and I greatly respect him for it. Denzel Washington is very good, if not excellent. He plays the role straight, but does so very well. His scenes in the courtroom are excellent, and you absolutely love watching the progressing friendship between Washington and Hanks.

This film should be viewed for its historical significance as well as for two landmark performances by Hanks and Washington. I should mention, however, that the film is very difficult to watch. It takes the topics of homosexuality and AIDS, and realistically sets it before you, and makes you deal with it. I think this film would be good for every man, woman, and child in America to see, because I doubt you'll ever look at a person suffering from AIDS the same way. It will slightly educate you about the terrible illness of HIV, and make you think twice about how you treat/talk about those with HIV.

I hope you watch this film. I'm not going to lie and say it will be the easist film to watch, or even one with topics that you like. However, Philadelphia is such a success because it addresses issues that most movies would never want to touch. It's difficult to watch, but its for that reason that we must. And also, you'll be entertained while you watch and learn.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Forrest Gump, Remember the Titans, Cast Away, John Q.