Philomena

2013 • 97 minutes
4.4
438 reviews
91%
Tomatometer
Eligible
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About this movie

Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a "fallen woman". When her baby was only a toddler, he was taken away by the nuns for adoption in America. Philomena spent the next fifty years searching for him but with no success. Then she met Martin Sixsmith, a world-weary political journalist who happened to be intrigued by her story. Together they set off to America on a journey that would not only reveal the extraordinary story of Philomena's son, but also create an unexpectedly close bond between Philomena and Martin. The film is a compelling narrative of human love and loss that ultimately celebrates life, showing that there is laughter even in the darkest places. 2013 Philomena Lee Limited, Pathé Productions Limited, British Film Institute and British Broadcasting Corporation.

Ratings and reviews

4.4
438 reviews
Liz Shotter
12 April 2014
Like many reviewers I don't profess to love Steve coogan but he really comes into his own in this film. Playing a snobbish disgraced journalist forced to experience humility, he is shown the nature of forgiveness from Judi dench's lower working class Irish grandmother on her journey to find her son.A remarkable story.
jo smith
2 April 2014
I found the film brilliant. Judi dench is at her best in this just when you wanna shed a tear shel deliver a killer oneliner and have you laughing again. Steve coogan I'm not much of a fan but he really does play the noncholant jurno well. Well worth watching.
2 people found this review helpful
Lorne Mackenzie
29 June 2014
Absaloutely no one should hate this film. I just don't think there's anything at all wrong with it. The picture's a bit weird though you keep getting lines going up and down your screen. Would recommend it to anyone.