Philadelphia

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Rohan H Oct 31 Philadelphia (1993) is a landmark film — a powerful, compassionate, and courageous exploration of prejudice, dignity, and the universal struggle for justice. Directed by Jonathan Demme, it broke new ground in mainstream cinema by tackling the AIDS crisis and workplace discrimination with honesty, empathy, and emotional power. Three decades later, it remains as relevant and affecting as ever. Tom Hanks delivers a stunning, career-defining performance as Andrew Beckett, a talented lawyer fired from his prestigious firm after his employers discover he has AIDS. Refusing to be silenced, Beckett hires Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a street-smart attorney initially uncomfortable with his client’s condition, to help him fight back. Their evolving relationship — built on understanding, respect, and shared humanity — lies at the heart of the film. Hanks is extraordinary, portraying Andrew with quiet strength, warmth, and grace. His performance captures both the physical deterioration of illness and the unshakable spirit of a man determined to stand up for what’s right. His work earned him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. Denzel Washington is equally brilliant as Joe Miller, whose transformation from prejudice to compassion gives the film its moral and emotional depth. The chemistry between Hanks and Washington is genuine and moving, their final scenes together unforgettable. Jonathan Demme’s direction is intimate and humane. He avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the small, truthful moments that reveal courage and connection. The film’s use of close-ups invites the audience to see its characters not as symbols, but as people — flawed, vulnerable, and deeply real. The haunting cinematography and emotional score, featuring Bruce Springsteen’s Academy Award-winning song “Streets of Philadelphia,” amplify the story’s humanity without overwhelming it. What makes Philadelphia truly remarkable is its empathy. At its core, it’s not just about AIDS, law, or discrimination — it’s about love, justice, and the right of every person to be treated with respect. It challenges viewers to confront their biases, to see beyond fear, and to recognise the shared dignity that connects us all. See more Monty J Sep 11 Philadelphia plays like a somber elegy set to a steady, unyielding rhythm. Jonathan Demme frames the story of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a gifted lawyer dismissed from his firm when his AIDS diagnosis becomes impossible to hide. Shunned and humiliated, Beckett turns to Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a streetwise attorney whose own prejudices form the opening dissonance. Together, they take the case to court, their uneasy partnership evolving into a duet of hard truth and growing respect. Demme orchestrates the narrative with restraint, letting Hanks deliver a performance that’s all quiet phrasing and aching blue notes, while Washington’s transformation provides the driving bassline. The supporting players add texture, but it’s the central theme—justice versus fear—that resonates most. Like the blues at its rawest, Philadelphia doesn’t dazzle with virtuosity; it moves with compassion, bearing witness to pain while affirming dignity in every lingering note. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Sep 6 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom, e as atuações do tom Hanks e do denzel Washington salvaram o filme. See more Isa B Aug 1 An extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks. Denzel Washington is also marvelous. The creative cinematography certainly adds value to the film. The lens choices serve to make the audience feel crowded and discombobulated. An excellent use of handheld camera work. Philadelphia is a great film. I recommend. 92/100 See more Stephen C @bob25009 Jun 19 Successful pride in 2 hours and 5 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ages 13 and older!!!!!!!!!! Featuring "Streets of Philadelphia," by Bruce Springsteen from the movie soundtrack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $76,000,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Jay W Jun 3 I get distracted by the point the film is trying to make because of how loud they are shouting it. This movie comes across as a very, 'woah is me', 'pity party', type of story. Where our main character is always good and right, and everyone is else is a one-dimensional strawman. I feel the court case also lost the lead to what they were actually arguing about. The case was about a wrongful termination, based on some papers that may or may not have been misplaced. But the trial quickly forgets about what they are debating and make it about Beckett's health problem. Maybe it’s because I'm from Washington, we're 'at will employees', an employer can fire you for whatever reason they want. See more Read all reviews

Philadelphia

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