Philadelphia (1993)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  9 / 10

  Philadelphia was the first big budget film to tackle AIDS, a fairly recent disease that was discovered in the late 80's. It's an important subject that viewers needed to be aware of, thankfully this film deals with the issue with care and fragility. There are many themes explored such as discrimination, justice and self-learning. It showcases the importance of equality, not just in a workplace but everywhere. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are both absolutely outstanding. Hanks portrays a fragile character on the brink of death as he fights not just for his life, but for justice. Washington portrays a straight acting character who, at first, despises homosexuality but as he takes the case on he slowly starts accepting them. There are two fundamental scenes that highlight this: the public library confrontation and the moment where he listens to the Opera composition. Washington is so good at showing emotion just through his eyes, we can clearly see his mind changing. Absolutely perfect. The late Jonathan Demme's direction style is fascinating, I love the way that the characters talk directly to the camera. This use of direct address involves us as the viewer and enhances our experience with these characters. The introductory song that plays with the montage of Philadelphia is also fitting. The plot is predictable and there are slow moments, but the film is so excellently crafted and acted that it is almost always engaging. This is powerful, emotive and a necessary film to watch.

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