Philomena is a 2013 British-French-American drama directed by Stephen Frears, based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee (2009) by journalist Martin Sixsmith. Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, it tells the true story of Philomena Lee’s 50-year-long search for her son.
Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a ‘fallen woman’. When her baby was only a toddler, he was taken away by the nuns for adoption in America. Philomena spent the next fifty years searching for him in vain. Then she met Martin Sixsmith, a world-weary political journalist who happened to be intrigued by her story. Together they set off for America on a journey that would not only reveal the extraordinary story of Philomena’s son, but also create an unexpectedly close bond between them. The film is a compelling narrative of human love and loss and ultimately celebrates life. It is both funny and sad and concerns two very different people, at different stages of their lives, who help each other and show that there is laughter even in the darkest places. (Official website).
The film was released in Spain on Friday 28 February 2014. Begoña and I went to see it yesterday.
For additional details and an interesting review click at The Hollywood Reporter.
I take my hat off to the performances of Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, and by a convincing cinematographic narration of film director Stephen Frears.
A Crime is Afoot 
José Ignacio – I’ve been hearing some great things about this film. Haven’t seen it yet, but it certainly seems to living up to its promise. Thank you for the fine review.
Like Margot, I have heard good things and would hope to see it soon.
Margot, Moira, thanks for your visit. I would certainly recommend this film, it’s worth seeing.
I loved this film – one of those that are heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Highly recommend – Judi Dench is fabulous!
Thanks for your visit and for taking your time to comment on this entry, Claire. Certainly Judy Dench is fabulous.
I was wondering if I even wanted to see this, it sounded too depressing. Seems like a lot of the Oscar-nominated films were depressing this year. But your description sounds good, and the book sounds interesting too.
I did not find it depressing TracyK, At least in my view.
Anything with Judi Dench in it is almost bound to be good. She’s such a fabulous actress – the best of her generation. I’m looking forward to seeing this film.
I hope you’ll love it FictionFan. A great actress, no doubt about that,