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Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for Outstanding Lead Actor for his powerhouse performance in Philadelphia, the deeply moving 1993 drama that shined a not-too-flattering light on subjects like homophobia and the AIDS epidemic.
Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a brilliant attorney on the fast track to partnership with the elite law firm he works for when his homosexuality and his affliction with the AIDS virus come to light. He is abruptly fired and decides to sue the firm for wrongful termination. After talking to dozens and dozens of Philadelphia attorneys, the only one who will agree to take Beckett's case is a small-time, homophobic ambulance-chaser named Joe Miller (Denzel Washington). Watching the working relationship that develops between Andrew and Joe, from their first handshake (which Joe frightfully pulls away from) to their final encounter in Andrew's hospital bed, is what forms the crux of this heartbreaking and riveting movie experience.
Screenwriter Ron Nyswaner has constructed a story that is a little on the preachy side, but considering the subject matter, this is to be expected and can be forgiven. Director Jonathan Demme has mounted this story with a perfect blending of economy and sensitivity that keep the viewer riveted to the screen, despite the fact that the screenplay could have used a little tightening.
Hanks is riveting and heartbreaking as Beckett, creating a character of great pathos and empathy, without ever making you feel sorry for the character. Beckett's insistence on continued normalcy is one of the character's most likable traits. Denzel Washington is so quietly effective as Miller that you almost don't notice that he matches Hanks note for note here, creating a character who you at times want to slap some sense into, but you understand to the core and know exactly where he's coming from.
Mention should also be made of Mary Steenburgen as the firm's attorney, Jason Robards as the president of the firm, Antronio Banderas as Andrew's lover and Joanna Woodward as Andrew's mother. A uniquely moving cinematic experience that will have you reaching for the kleenex. 9/10
Tom Hanks won his first Oscar for Outstanding Lead Actor for his powerhouse performance in Philadelphia, the deeply moving 1993 drama that shined a not-too-flattering light on subjects like homophobia and the AIDS epidemic.
Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a brilliant attorney on the fast track to partnership with the elite law firm he works for when his homosexuality and his affliction with the AIDS virus come to light. He is abruptly fired and decides to sue the firm for wrongful termination. After talking to dozens and dozens of Philadelphia attorneys, the only one who will agree to take Beckett's case is a small-time, homophobic ambulance-chaser named Joe Miller (Denzel Washington). Watching the working relationship that develops between Andrew and Joe, from their first handshake (which Joe frightfully pulls away from) to their final encounter in Andrew's hospital bed, is what forms the crux of this heartbreaking and riveting movie experience.
Screenwriter Ron Nyswaner has constructed a story that is a little on the preachy side, but considering the subject matter, this is to be expected and can be forgiven. Director Jonathan Demme has mounted this story with a perfect blending of economy and sensitivity that keep the viewer riveted to the screen, despite the fact that the screenplay could have used a little tightening.
Hanks is riveting and heartbreaking as Beckett, creating a character of great pathos and empathy, without ever making you feel sorry for the character. Beckett's insistence on continued normalcy is one of the character's most likable traits. Denzel Washington is so quietly effective as Miller that you almost don't notice that he matches Hanks note for note here, creating a character who you at times want to slap some sense into, but you understand to the core and know exactly where he's coming from.
Mention should also be made of Mary Steenburgen as the firm's attorney, Jason Robards as the president of the firm, Antronio Banderas as Andrew's lover and Joanna Woodward as Andrew's mother. A uniquely moving cinematic experience that will have you reaching for the kleenex. 9/10