Philadelphia

1993

PG-13

2h 6m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

4.3K

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Drama

Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.

Directors

Jonathan Demme

Writers

Ron Nyswaner(writer by)

Stars

Tom Hanks

Denzel Washington

Jason Robards

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Videos3

Photos76

Top cast

Andrew Beckett

Joe Miller

Charles Wheeler

Belinda Conine

Miguel Alvarez

Bob Seidman

Walter Kenton

Judge Garnett

Lisa Miller

Jerome Green

Young Man in Pharmacy

Bud Beckett

Clinic Storyteller

Mr. Laird

Jill Beckett

Bruno

Dr. Gillman

Kenneth Killcoyne

Directors

Jonathan Demme

Writers

Ron Nyswaner(writer by)

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User reviews6

Review

Featured review

7/10

It's quite hard to overstate how significant this film was at a time when AIDS-driven homophobia was rife. Right from the outset with Bruce Springsteen's delicate opening ballad, this effectively counters an whole range of prejudices that prevailed not just in the USA but around the world. It's also, easily in my view, Tom Hanks's best performance as he plays hotshot lawyer "Andy" who has been feeling under the weather. Blood tests tell him the worst news that he shares with his loving family and boyfriend "Miguel" (Antonio Banderas) but he isn't really prepared to get fired from his job. Luckily, he had previously crossed paths with "Joe" (Denzel Washington) so he asks him to represent him in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit. "Andy" is candid about his sexuality and his condition and the clearly wary "Joe" politely declines. It's a chance meeting in a law library a few days later that illustrates just the tip of the bigotry iceberg being faced by the visibly sickening man to get fair treatment and so "Joe" relents. What now ensues is, on the face of it, just another courtroom drama but it is hugely augmented by the willingness of some serious Hollywood establishment names to showcase the genuine senses of fear, disgust and even hatred as the narrative unravels. Washington's character has his own prejudices to overcome and Jason Robards, though he features quite sparingly, is effective as the erstwhile boss who can barely disguise his contempt for his former star-employee. It's cleverly scripted avoiding too much sentiment or stereotype as it presents us with a potent look at a fight for justice - not just in the courtroom itself, but amongst a public opinion that is scared and hostile. Thought-provoking cinema that plays a strong hand well, and though not always an easy watch, it is well worth it.

Geronimo196713 Jan, 2024