Title: Philomena
Director: Stephen Frears
Writer: Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope
Cast: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2431286/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 
Rating: 5/5
Certificate: 12A
Source: SkyGo

Plot:

“A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.”

I absolutely adored this film. I’ve been wanting to watch it since awards season 2013! The film is based on the book “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee” by Martin Sixsmith, with Judi Dench and Steve Coogan playing both people respectively.

Both their performances don’t get enough credit. They are wonderful. Judi Dench tugs at your heart strings in the most emotional scenes, not that I was expecting anything less, she’s Judi Dench! Steve Coogan incredibly surprised me though. I knew him as Alan Partridge but I never watched it. I think it’s great when comedic actors take on serious roles every now and then (and vice versa)

Other acting mentions go specifically to Sophie Kennedy Clark who is fantastic as Philomena in her 20’s. She is utterly heartbreaking at specific moments.

The script was fantastc. The film is only 90 minutes long which I think is a suitable amount for a film that’s very character driven. We find out about Philomena’s upbringing, we find out about Martin’s career and career troubles. Philomena is such an interesting character and I think it’s wonderful that the real Philomena is still alive and was able to go to the Oscars with the film and have people watch her story, who knows how many other women have been in the same position as her.

Philomena is a really wonderful film. I think especially if you love non-fiction stories then you’ll definitely love this. I’m already boasting about this film to my family (as they prefer non fiction over fiction)

🙂