“It’s lovely to know that the world can’t interfere with the inside of your head.” ― Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes
Faith, forgiveness and balance are generously layered in an engaging ninety-eight minute quest of two life paths entwined. The screenplay for Philomena, co-written by the brilliantly perceptive British comedian, producer/ actor, Steve Coogan ( The Other Guys,Tropic Thunder) is based on the investigative book, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith. Coogan portrays Sixsmith with the appropriate dash of cynicism, sprinkled with stinging wit opposite the legendary Golden Globes and Tony Award winning, Dame Judi Dench. Philomena, the film focuses on the intense struggle of Philomena Lee, who as a young Irish-Catholic teenager gave birth to a child conceived out of wedlock. Church doctrine forced the young Philomena to sign a contract that strictly denied her any type of inquiry into her son's adopted family. It is only later in her own life, after starting a family in England that Lee is introduced to the curious yet reluctant, Sixsmith. Together the ever hopeful Lee and the slightly skeptical BBC reporter set out to uncover the mystery of her long-lost son. Undoubtedly, tissues are required but there is also a beautiful balance of clever humor thanks to Coogan's insightful commentary and Dench's extraordinary performance. Although Philomena may have been overshadowed by bigger box office fare this year, don't miss this unforgettably powerful journey of the heart, mind and soul.
