Philomena

Surprising role for Steve Coogan. He also co-wrote and produced the film. Obviously Steve's been missing a great acting partner in his last several films, but he certainly found the perfect woman/actress to up his game. Dame Judi Dench is charming and wonderful as usual, but Coogan's performance is the one to watch. The film's subject - based on real events - is one that needs to be spotlighted, dissected and if possible - Catholic clergy needs to account, apologize and make amends for. Thousands of young Irish Catholic women were 'organized slave labour' who endured mistreatment (physical, emotional, sexual) for years and had their 'illegitimate' (their term, not mine) children taken from them. Yet one more reason I am no longer a practicing Catholic. Even putting my - obvious - prejudice aside, I had difficulty understanding Philomena's acceptance of her fate (even though she lived in another time and place) The film is about prejudice (pregnant young women who have 'sinned'), penance, family, fate, religion, friendship, forgiveness and moving on. It is very moving and I will try to research how the real subject of the film and the writer of her story feel about the film adaptation. This film will probably not appeal to everyone, but in my view, it is an important 'modern history' lesson.