I have had the great pleasure to have been raised in an a predominantly Irish Family, and have traveled to Ireland four times in my life. I have been instilled with Irish traditions and customs from my late Grandma Bridie, and my family that still resides in County Donegal, all of whom are among the finest people I have ever had the magnificent fortune of meeting. My Uncle Sean has even taught me a scarce few words of Gaelic. Given my Irish background, I found a deeper appreciation of the lifestyles and culture found in Philomena.
Philomena Lee was forced by nuns to give up her infant son Anthony when he was only 3 years old. 47 years later, she can no longer live with the secret and recruits Journalist Martin Sixsmith to help track him down. The search leads them to America, where they not only try to find the truth in what happened to Anthony, but also the truth in themselves.
The story, which is based on reality, is nothing groundbreaking and not done before. Yet it is the tenderness of Philomena and her journey towards finding her son which keeps the film from growing stale. Yet, it has deeper meaning to it then a mere investigation movie. It is more of an exploration of soul and faith than it is fact based journalism. You almost get the sense that when her son was taken from her, so was her soul in a way. Now she is looking for both. And to Martin, it explores his belief in a higher power, and quite powerfully so.
However, in spots, the character development is rather uneven or glossed over. When we first meet Martin, he seems rather distant, but almost immediately changes his mind on an important decision without showing any reasons for doing so. He shifts his growth a number of times throughout the film, and it simply isn't satisfying for his character arc in the end.
The cinematography in this film is quite magnificent, despite the lack of a nomination. There are many places that I haven't been, and many sights I haven't seen. But for everywhere I have been, I have seen nothing to rival the majesty and beauty of the Irish landscape and the quaint charm of Irish villages. The film does them great justice. The sights captured offer a great taste of that majesty.
Dame Judi Dench does a brilliant job as Philomena Lee. Where you would think that she would take a character such as this, she does the complete opposite. And all the better. For all the suffering and heart break Philomena has suffered, Judi puffs her up with a smile and an optimism that keeps the film upbeat, even in the dark moments. But when it calls for it, she isn't afraid to speak her mind. I don't expect her to walk away with an Oscar for this role, but she certainly deserves the nomination she received. (Certainly more that Meryl Streep).
To American audiences, Steve Coogan has mainly been an embodiment of the common perception of British people in Ben Stiller or Will Ferrell comedies. Here, we get to see him in a much more straight faced form that doesn't feel like he's trying to conquer new ground. His cynicism and reluctance form a balance to the film. And despite the uneven character he has written for himself (yes he also served as writer), he crafts a fully interesting role as well.
It certainly won't win Best Picture this year, but Philomena is a touching, heartfelt story. Even if just a bit uneven.
B
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