Former BBC reporter Martin Sixsmith published an article on how Philomena Lee, a woman searching for her son who was born out of the wedlock and adopted by an American couple. The heart wrenching tale leaves many women, like Lee, who get themselves pregnant before getting married, seeking their child who has been adopted by families from American. It was not too long before Stephen Frears and Steve Coogan decided to bring the article up onto the screen, sharing with the world on one of the dark open secret, in a light and comical manner.
Entitled Philomena, it is a no-brainier for audience to know the story revolves the protagonist, Philomena Lee, marvelously portrayed by Judi Dench. Coogen, taking the role of both the producer and playing the role of Martin Sixsmith himself, develops an on screen chemistry with Dench. Set in 2002, the story revolves around Philomena seeking for her son, Anthony Lee, who was adopted by an American family in 1955. Shamed by her family members for getting pregnant before marriage at the age of 18, Philomena was send to a Roman Catholic Convent in Roscrea as a form of punishment to repent for her sins. Working in the laundry room for years, she was shocked and upset that Anthony was adopted by a childless American couple in return for a fee for the church's operation. Having signed an agreement between the church and her, Philomena is not to approach Anthony in any way. At the same time, Martin 'resigned' from BBC due to bringing shame and getting weary from reporting war stories. Deciding to take a different approach in his career, Martin assists Philomena in the journey to look for Anthony, who is now named Michael.
Frears takes a different approach in presenting the story of how Lee goes on the journey to seek her long lost son. While being realistic and serious at times, the light hearted approach softens any possible tension that could have broke out. This can be seen from her excitement by babbling cheerfully to Martin on the novel she read during their way to America. It is a great difference to Philomena's despair to look for Anthony/Michael after the church claims that the details of Anthony's adopted parents were destroyed in a fire years ago, which almost eliminates Philomena's hope of seeing Anthony/Michael.
Philomena also had her fair share of getting worried for not able to identify Anthony/Michael due to the history and culture of America. This is another pointer that was highlighted by Frears to show the despair and possible disappointment should Philomena unable to recognize Anthony/Michael.
'What if he died in the Vietnam War? Or lose a leg? Or getting obese?' Philomena was sharing her concern with Martin at a food truck on the street. 'Why obese?' Ask by the curious Martin. 'The size of the portion!' exclaims Philomena.
Behind the exchange of these funny lines, it not only shows how the history and culture has changed the people, but also the possible chances of Philomena acknowledging her long lost child who was taken away from her for the past half a century. Such references can be seen in Mrs Henderson Presents, Frear's 2005 production with Dench. Both films are witty, funny, and at the same time, tell us how time and environment can change everything a person hopes for. In summary, Philomena not only gives hope, but also about forgiveness and most importantly, treasuring everything that one have. At the running time of 98 minutes, it make us think how the separation from the child makes the mother want to see them at any cost.
Entitled Philomena, it is a no-brainier for audience to know the story revolves the protagonist, Philomena Lee, marvelously portrayed by Judi Dench. Coogen, taking the role of both the producer and playing the role of Martin Sixsmith himself, develops an on screen chemistry with Dench. Set in 2002, the story revolves around Philomena seeking for her son, Anthony Lee, who was adopted by an American family in 1955. Shamed by her family members for getting pregnant before marriage at the age of 18, Philomena was send to a Roman Catholic Convent in Roscrea as a form of punishment to repent for her sins. Working in the laundry room for years, she was shocked and upset that Anthony was adopted by a childless American couple in return for a fee for the church's operation. Having signed an agreement between the church and her, Philomena is not to approach Anthony in any way. At the same time, Martin 'resigned' from BBC due to bringing shame and getting weary from reporting war stories. Deciding to take a different approach in his career, Martin assists Philomena in the journey to look for Anthony, who is now named Michael.
Frears takes a different approach in presenting the story of how Lee goes on the journey to seek her long lost son. While being realistic and serious at times, the light hearted approach softens any possible tension that could have broke out. This can be seen from her excitement by babbling cheerfully to Martin on the novel she read during their way to America. It is a great difference to Philomena's despair to look for Anthony/Michael after the church claims that the details of Anthony's adopted parents were destroyed in a fire years ago, which almost eliminates Philomena's hope of seeing Anthony/Michael.
Philomena also had her fair share of getting worried for not able to identify Anthony/Michael due to the history and culture of America. This is another pointer that was highlighted by Frears to show the despair and possible disappointment should Philomena unable to recognize Anthony/Michael.
'What if he died in the Vietnam War? Or lose a leg? Or getting obese?' Philomena was sharing her concern with Martin at a food truck on the street. 'Why obese?' Ask by the curious Martin. 'The size of the portion!' exclaims Philomena.
Behind the exchange of these funny lines, it not only shows how the history and culture has changed the people, but also the possible chances of Philomena acknowledging her long lost child who was taken away from her for the past half a century. Such references can be seen in Mrs Henderson Presents, Frear's 2005 production with Dench. Both films are witty, funny, and at the same time, tell us how time and environment can change everything a person hopes for. In summary, Philomena not only gives hope, but also about forgiveness and most importantly, treasuring everything that one have. At the running time of 98 minutes, it make us think how the separation from the child makes the mother want to see them at any cost.