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02 Nov 13 - 05:24 AM (#3572140) Subject: Philomena. From: GUEST,Mike Yates I went to see the film "Philomena" yesterday. It has nothing to do with folk music, though Philomena's story, that of a mother searching for her lost child (born out of wedlock), is similar to a couple of folktales that I know. There are stunning performances from Judi Dench, as expected, and Steve Coogan, bit of a surprise this, who plays the world-weary, cynical journalist Martin Sixsmith. It is, I must say, one of the saddest films that I have seen in years, although Judi Dench's Philomena does, surprisingly, cope well with all that life has to throw at her. But the real point comes right at the end, when the ageing nun, Sister Hildegard, lets fly at Philomena. Her speech is pure evil, wrapped up as religion. It has to be said that if Jesus returned to earth today, he would be shocked at what happened/happens in his name. |
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02 Nov 13 - 05:36 AM (#3572143) Subject: RE: Philomena. From: Noreen This is a must-see. I saw Judi Dench interviewed about it last night and they showed a clip. I wonder if it's released in Ireland yet? |
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02 Nov 13 - 05:49 AM (#3572148) Subject: RE: Philomena. From: GUEST,Mike Yates I hope that it is released in Ireland. People there really need to know what was happening to unwed mothers during the 1950's. I should add that the twist at the end of the film, something that I didn't see coming, only makes the story - and it's based on a true story - only more harrowing. |
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02 Nov 13 - 06:46 AM (#3572154) Subject: RE: Philomena. From: GUEST,scottishvoice Haven't seen it yet but wee interesting fact: The lassie that plays the young Judi Dench is caled Sophie Kennedy Clark and is the grandaughter of great gaelic singer Calum Kennedy (and daughter of Fiona). |
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02 Nov 13 - 06:50 AM (#3572155) Subject: RE: Philomena. From: GUEST,Mike Yates And a very good actress she is, too. |
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02 Nov 13 - 12:23 PM (#3572226) Subject: RE: Philomena. From: Jim Carroll Had excellent reviews, some of which place it up with Mea Maxima Culpa, The Magdalene Girls and Raggy Boy as an important contribution to the understanding of clerical abuse. Hope to see it next week Steve Coogan (actor and co-scriptwriter) ceased to be a "surprise" last year when he appeared on Question Time and stood head and shoulders above the rest of the panel with his both practical and humanitarian stance on Syria. Jim Carroll |