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5 Reviews
Star-Studded Eye opener!
Right off the bat, you know you're in for a good movie when there's stars of the magnitude of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. For us females, Antonio Bandaras' is a plus-definitely eye-candy! The story line, 13 years ago, was quite nrw, but had had enough publicity to make an awesome movie, and be a ground-breaker for legal cases of this type. Hanks, a smart, respected Lawyer in a rather large and prestigious Law-Firm has kept his private life just that, for good reason. He's a homosexual who's contracted AIDS from his younger days, in an irresponsible act, as is brought out later in the movie. When his case of AIDS starts manifesting itself by visible lesions, the Big Boys of his Law Firm fire him on trumped-up reasons. Hanks, not playing the fool, as the famous quote from Abraham Lincoln comes to mind, 'A Person who represents themselves in court has a fool for a Lawyer', hires Denzel Washington, an open homophobe, as his Council to sue the law firm for discrimination. Again, 13 years ago, this was basically unheard of, partially due to the ramifications to the person themself, their family, friends, Significant Other and their family, on amd on. But Hanks is no coward, as is proved time and again, though his strength visibly weakens as the trial progresses, and is drawn out. He is fortunate in the fact that his family is loving and supportive, as is his boyfriend, Antonio Bandaras, as witnessed in court by their attendance, and as he becomes progressively sicker, concern, watchful eyes, nursing if needed. Washington finds the subject distasteful, and is outraged when a sports figure he admires comes on to him in a drugstore, while buying diapers for his child. But it doesn't affect his skill, as he slowly but surely gains ground in this case. Hanks, who stays in the courtroom till he literally collapses, unfortunately dies, and doesn't get to enjoy victory, as Denzel does win in the end, but he does make sure the money will be used in the best ways possible, and his grieving family, and Washington, make sure Hank's wishes are respected. An excellent movie, well written, with the time well utilized, and worth every second! Many have strong, personal feelings about homosexuality, but don't have the right to judge those who choose this lifestyle. Whether you approve or disapprove one's God-given freedom of choice, this movie brings out empathy for this man's plight, which, in my opinion, is good, as I was brought up with the saying 'you learn something new every day'. I think when you stop learning, you stop growing. There's a big world around us, and to have an effective life, we need to be open to new experiences. This movie is proof that knowledge brings understanding, and the world becomes richer for it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!Read full review...
Philadelphia (VHS, 1994)
Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a hot-shot Philadelphia lawyer. He is on the fast track and is on his way to the top. He does have a problem though. He has been hiding his homosexuality, and his AIDS infection, from his bosses. They are ultra-conservative, and then one day skin lesions appear. Suddenly he is fired with no reason offered.
Knowing full well that it is because he has AIDS, he hires an attorney, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), to represent him. Joe has to overcome his own personal homophobia first. As the fight progresses in court, Andrew is losing the other battle, against the disease. This is a sad movie.Read full review...
Philadelphia (VHS 1994)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: danonroad21
Phyladelphia
Get your handkerchiefs ready! So well done! Very intense very moving! The story line was great the actors Tom Hanks and Denzell Washington, and others were so well cast for their parts. It brought out every emotion in me. All I can say is Wonderful movie and I am so glad to have seen it. I offer this movie *****!Read full review...
great
I purchased this to display in my hoagie shop. The shop is a Philly themed and since it was filmed there and of course of the name as well as signed by Tom Hanks, well I had to buy!