Wednesday 5 August 2015

Review: Philomena (2013)

In taking part in Dell on Movies recent Tears of a Clown Blogathon, I was trying to come up with comedic actors who have taken on serious roles. One that I came up with that didn’t make the final cut for the Blogathon was Steve Coogan in Philomena. Which then reminded me that I hadn’t done a review of this little treasure.



Philomena (Judi Dench) is contacted by political journalist, Martin (Steve Coogan) about her past as a pregnant teenager who had her child taken away and was kept in a convent. The story leads them to try and find Philomena’s son and take a journey together on which they learn more about each other than expected.




This film was exactly what I expected, the right amount of heart-warming sentiment, comedy and twists to keep you engrossed without being bored but not the most memorable of watches. I really loved it when I was watching it but I forgot about it for months straight after it finished. However, for once I really enjoyed Coogan’s performance (someone I usually really dislike) and as always Dench was just brilliant.  



Perfect balance between sentiment and humour, not too many tears but not belittling this heartfelt story with ridiculous humour. Philomena’s ongoing love for Mills and Boon novels provides just enough laughs to avoid distracting from the heart break of it all.  My emotions didn't know what to do with themselves, one minute I was crying the next laughing, personally I think that is much more like real life, I have been known many a time to laugh through my tears.


Really lovely to watch and great performances from Coogan and Dench.

6 comments:

  1. UGH...I really need to muster the want to see this. Like...I just don't, and I know I should...but your review has me leaning towards giving it a shot.

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    1. I really wasn't bothered and would have happily not seen it but my Dad pretty much bullied me into it and i loved it - try it, I promise you won't be disappointed.

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  2. Nice write up! I really liked this, and I was surprised I didn't cry until the very end.

    I wanted to punch those nuns though. lol

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    1. Hated the nuns! I pretty much cried all the way through, but I cry at everything!!

      - Jen

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  3. Lovely review! Philomena is so touching and sweet. I wasn't a big fan of Dench before this, but she surprised me. Her performance gave me with a new appreciation for her talent.

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    1. How could you not be a fan of Dench?! She is a legend of epic proportions!!

      - Jen

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