Oscars Countdown 2014 - Philomena

Ensign Lestat's Oscars Countdown, 17/2/2014

'Philomena'
Nominations - Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Actress (Dame Judi Dench)

'Philomena' is one of those emotional rollercoaster rides that Britain is famous for making. It's a small film with a big heart. It's the true story of a woman of the same name on a hunt for the child that was wrongfully taken away from her. It's a heartfelt story, true and real. It's also a story that will resonate with many people of a certain generation, not because they were all abandoned at a nunnery or because their children were stolen away from them, but because there was such a ridiculous stigma and fear attached with natural human emotions and actions. They had unfortunate consequences back in the day, and unfortunately, a lot of young women suffered due to the same.

'Philomena' does not dwell much on the suffering, but does show it to us in the beginning of the film. At the same time, the story shows us that it is possible to move on and not dwell in suffering. A laudable goal, surprisingly achieved by this little old lady.

Dame Judi Dench plays the central character - she's old and a tiny bit scatter-brained. But her memory is good and her wit keen. The film rides on the banter between her and down-and-out journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan). He begrudgingly takes on the story as it's his attempt to get a foot back in the door of journalism. Along the way the two of them argue, debate, concede defeat and become close friends.

Surprisingly humourous considering the subject-matter, the film is a surprise entry for Best Picture. I'll put this down to the fact that it's really a small little personal journey kind of film. It's so... well, to me anyway, so utterly British that it seems utterly out of place amongst the other contenders. This is not to say it doesn't deserve a nom, it's just that it's rather different. Undoubtedly, in a 5-film nomination year, this film would not have got a shoo in, but maybe the whole point of more noms means people get to see small little gems.

Since I often judge films by their trailers, I was dreading watching this film. But Stephen Frears is a diverse director and he certainly lent the film a feel-good quality. It has no hopes at the Oscars, however, pulling no glamour power at all. It's the wild card. Judi Dench is fabulous in her role, but I wonder if her larger than life personality doesn't outshine her performance. She's believable as the silently pining mother, but against the powerhouse performance of Cate Blanchett, Dench pales. That's an unfair comparison, I know, but having seen both, I can weigh the odds.

Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the screenplay and is up for that award, didn't ruin the film, which is a surprise. He's relatable and funny, and I especially like the climactic end when he's bubbling with an anger that every member of the audience is feeling, but is thwarted by the big-hearted Philomena.

While I found it difficult to completely enjoy the film at the start, it definitely became more enjoyable as we stayed with the present. It's a warm, cuddly kind of film, that's worth at least one viewing.

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