Based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by journalist Martin Sixsmith, 'Philomena' is A Gem Of A Film! It narrates a heart-breaking true-story of a lost mother & son, profoundly. A Wonderful Film in all respects.

'Philomena' Synopsis: 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.

'Philomena' is marvelously written by Steve Coogan & Jeff Pope. Its so emotional & so engaging. Not for a single moment, does the Writing fall apart. A job very well-done! Stephen Frears's Direction is excellent. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are brilliant.

Performance-Wise: Judi Dench as Philomena Lee, delivers a stupendous performance. As usual, the legendary actress sinks her teeth into the part & brings it out with flying colors. Steve Coogan as Martin Sixsmith, lends great support.

On the whole, 'Philomena' is a must see.

The film is about Philomena, an Irish lady living in the UK (Judi Dench). When she was young, she had an unwed pregnancy and went to live at a Catholic program for young mothers. The goal was to get help but to keep her child. However, the good Sisters tricked her out of her son and she never saw him again. Now, decades later, she's looking to find him and enlists the help of a down and out journalist (Steve Coogan).

The film features some terrific acting, a nicely written script, lovely mood music and will keep your interest from start to finish. It was nominated for various Oscars (including Best Picture).

I know that some feel that "Philomena" is seen by some as anti- Catholic and I would certainly agree that it is, at least in part, anti-Catholic. BUT, considering what happened to the real life Philomena, how could it not be anti-Catholic?! After all, the woman was treated abominably by representatives of the church and her story is very, very sad. This doesn't mean ALL Catholics are bad-- but some of these folks certainly were pretty awful (even if the confrontation scene at the end never actually happened this way).

'Philomena' had so much going for it. An incredible true story, an attention-grabbing trailer that immediately made me want to see it, a talented director responsible for some good and more projects and a talented cast on board (doesn't get much better than Judi Dench).

Am so glad about seeing 'Philomena'. It is one of the classic examples of films based on true stories/real events that treats its subject with respect and honesty, rather than any rose-tinting, "Hollywood-ising" or taking sides. It is also a classic example of a film that makes me proud to be a Brit, really like these kinds of films so never doubted that 'Philomena' would be good. It is a film that balances pathos, a little humour, insight and truth perfectly while executing the individual elements every bit as much, something that not many films do as successfully, and one that can be enjoyed by any age or gender, pretty much anybody really, without any prejudice or generalising.

It is a lovely looking film, not flashy, gimmicky or over-cinematic (a good thing because it is not that kind of film) but the beautiful scenery and slick photography is effective and elegant in its simplicity without being simplistic or TV film quality. It suits the gentle tone beautifully. Stephen Frears' direction is tightly controlled and sympathetic, bringing his own personality while doing an even better job at accommodating the two leads and their chemistry together. The music is pleasant and understated, not bombastic or intrusive which considering the subject would have been the completely wrong approach.

Steve Coogan's script is one of 'Philomena's biggest strengths. Of all the films seen recently, the script here is one of the cleverest and most beautifully balanced. Particularly standing out elements-wise are the heart-breaking pathos and the thought-provoking insight. Everything here feels very honest and there is even some gentle ironic humour to stop things from being too serious that brings a smile to one's face and makes one laugh.

The story, an incredible story done justice, is told beautifully, having some breathing space to give depth to the characters and content while also being alert that things never become dull. It refrains from artistic license to try to appeal to younger viewers which was appreciated. There are some nicely done and genuinely surprising twists and the ending just about rang true, although there may be some viewers questioning the moral aspect.

'Philomena' excels in not taking sides or being one-sided, the characters are charming while not shown to be too perfect and nobody is vilified or painted unfavourably. In lesser hands or given the Hollywood treatment this would most likely not be the case, love biopics but they have not always had a track record at sticking to the truth.

Other than the script, it's the cast that's also particularly good. The supporting cast are all strong and well-suited but it's the two leads that shine most. Their chemistry sparkles and Coogan is amusing but also very compassionate, a remarkably nuanced performance. Even better is Dench, who is simply outstanding in every sense and allows one to root for her character every step of the way and relating to her in a terrible situation.

In conclusion, a beautiful film in every meaning of the word. 10/10 Bethany Cox