Philomena (2013)

A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

Director:

Stephen Frears

Writers:

Steve Coogan (screenplay), Jeff Pope (screenplay)

Stars:

Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 30 wins & 75 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judi Dench	...	Philomena
Steve Coogan	...	Martin Sixsmith
Sophie Kennedy Clark	...	Young Philomena
Mare Winningham	...	Mary
Barbara Jefford	...	Sister Hildegarde
Ruth McCabe	...	Mother Barbara
Peter Hermann	...	Pete Olsson
Sean Mahon	...	Michael
Anna Maxwell Martin	...	Jane
Michelle Fairley	...	Sally Mitchell
Wunmi Mosaku	...	Young Nun
Amy McAllister	...	Sister Anunciata
Charlie Murphy	...	Kathleen
Cathy Belton	...	Sister Claire
Kate Fleetwood	...	Young Sister Hildegarde

Storyline

When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged.

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Plot Keywords:

convent | catholic | gay love | irish adoption board | gay relationship | 

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Taglines:

These two unlikely companions are on a journey to find her long lost son.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 on appeal for some strong language, thematic elements and sexual references

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

UK USA France

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Filomena

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$128,435 (USA) (22 November 2013)

Gross:

$37,707,719 (USA) (16 May 2014)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Weinstein Company, The, Yucaipa Films, Pathé

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Decades later, in part due to the original book and this film, it became apparent just how widespread similar stories to Philomena's were, before, during, and after, the 1950s, in Ireland. The later revelations of the extent of the forced adoptions, and well as the abuse of children in care, both by the Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations, have given this film a much darker undercurrent than originally intended.

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Goofs

Though the film appears to be set in 2004, the red Mazda MX-5 in which Pete Olsen arrives at his house is a third generation model, not launched until 2005.

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Quotes

Philomena: [repeated] He would've never had this if he'd stayed with me.

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Crazy Credits

Real footage of Anthony/Michael is shown at the ending credits

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Connections

Featured in 71st Golden Globe Awards (2014)

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Soundtracks

Mother of God Here I Stand
Composed by John Tavener and Mikhail Lermontov
Published by Chester Music Ltd.
By kind permission of Music Sales Creative
Performed by The Tiffin Boys' Choir
Choir Director: Simon Toyne

User Reviews

Superb storytelling, perfectly balanced tone

Steve Coogan deserves utmost respect for producing and writing this film. His script is excellent, consistently witty and engaging on the surface whilst spinning many more layers beneath the surface which became unconsciously stirring. Normally with these kinds of films I find the humour becomes contrived, forced or inappropriate, like the writers/director buckle under a need to impress and please the audience. You won't find those jarring moments here - Philomena is expertly judged and balanced. The story itself is fascinating, and again Coogan's script steers clear from overt sentimentality to allow the humanity to speak for itself. A gentle, funny, heartbreaking and unforgettable film. I actually much prefer it to the Kings Speech.