Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Judi Dench | ... | Philomena Lee | |
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 |
When former journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) 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 Lee (Dame Judi Dench), 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. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
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.