Philomena is an emotional story inspired by true events, tinged with both tragedy and comedy, about two very different people who join forces for a remarkable journey, seeking to uncover the truth behind a heartbreaking story that has remained a mystery for half a century.
Judi Dench is sensational in the title role and shows that she is indeed one of the greatest actresses of our time; her bond with the heart and soul of the character of woman who spent 50 years trying in vain to establish the whereabouts of her lost son is truly remarkable and will definitely capture your heart.
Equally brilliant in a commanding performance is Steve Coogan (The Look of Love, 24 Hour Party People), one of Britain's leading comics and creator of the legendary TV and radio "personality" Alan Partridge, who co-wrote the poignant screenplay with Jeff Pope, based on the Martin Sixsmith's book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. The harmony and conflicted restraint between Dench's and Coogan's performances results in an emotional journey that offers a unique cinematic encounter that will always live in your heart.
Director Stephen Frears, one of Britain's most distinguished filmmakers, twice Oscar nominated and the director of such outstanding films as The Queen, High Fidelity, Dirty Pretty Things, and Dangerous Liaisons, tells the story of Philomena with fervent passion and never intrudes. Frears' remarkable visual interpretation is outstanding. Frear skilfully unifies the external journey of a mother's desperate search and the introspective journey into her lost son's life; this not only allows us to partake in the intimate journey, but gives us a rare opportunity to reflect on our lives and unresolved and failed relationships.
It is films like Philomena that amplify our universal need for longing and belonging in world that has lost contact with what makes us human. In our search for meaning and finding answers to traumatic events that have shaped our lives, Philomena clearly shows that happiness does not always lie in its resolution, but in its unexpected journey that can change our lives for ever. Philomena is a story that needed be told and shared with the world, and all those who share in the journey will most definitely be grateful for it. It is a film you take home with you after leaving the cinema and one you will gladly share with loved ones and friends.
Philomena Lee was already surprised that The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, Martin Sixsmith's book about her search for her son, made such an impression on readers. "I couldn't believe the amount of letters Martin got after the book was published," she says now. But she was astonished when it became clear that Martin's book about her might be adapted for film. "They told me they wanted the book to be a film. My story! I didn't think it would ever come to fruition. When we had a second meeting, it was dropped into the conversation that Judi Dench was interested in playing me. I was absolutely thrilled! I loved her in As Time Goes By, which I watched on TV all the time. So I couldn't believe it! I was so excited, and then so pleased to meet her finally. She's a lovely lady."
Martin Sixsmith says of his book: "Like so many good stories, it started out as a coincidence. I met someone at a party who said: 'You're a journalist, aren't you?' and told me about Philomena and her lost son. "It was such a fantastic story I couldn't not write it. It's about love, loss, separation, yearning and ultimately about redemption - and in the film script it's also about how people learn from each other. "I've done many things in life - worked for the government, worked for the BBC, been a historian - this was something I hadn't done before: it's a human interest story. And the more Philomena and I worked together, the more I thought it was worthwhile."
Read more at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1037.html
