Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Forgiveness and Philomena

I read enough reviews that the film Philomena couldn't surprise me, but it did touch me. It is the based-on-actual experience story of Philomena Lee, who as a teen gave birth to a baby boy. She ended up like many young Irish women in similar circumstances, doing "hard labour" for Roman Catholic sisters who provided dubious shelter for both mothers and children. Philomena's son was taken from the convent when he was three, essentially sold to a wealthy American couple. This was commonplace for the children of the "fallen women" known as Magdalene girls, after the tradition of Mary Magdalene in the gospels. No matter that Jesus treated Mary with respect, these unfortunate women were punished for their sexual sins.
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The film follows Philomena and journalist Martin Sixsmith as they search for the boy after Philomena's desire to find him is sparked by the realization that he has turned fifty. Both Judy Dench and Steve Coogan are great in this picture, and the story doesn't get bogged down along the way. Judy Dench can act in anything, but it was a pleasant change for Coogan who is usually in comedies. I found it emotional but not maudlin, and Philomena's choice to forgive the nuns because of her Christian faith is quite powerful.

There has been an interesting twist since Philomena's release. A New York Post review called the movie hateful toward the Roman Catholic church and dismissed the relationship between the two key figures as unrealistic. Lee responded saying:

"Just as I forgave the church for what happened with my son, I forgive you for not taking the time to understand my story. I do hope though that the families heading to the movie theatre to see the film decide for themselves – and disagree with you."

I certainly disagree with the review and I'm glad I saw the film. How about you? Have you seen it? Will you see it? Are there enough films out there already with forgiveness themes?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I am looking forward to seeing the movie - hope it comes to Belleville soon!
Judi Dench is a classic! And, yes, we could use more stories about forgiveness!

shirport said...

Saw the movie last weekend and loved it. Of course Judi Dench could read the phone book and I'd love it. She's such a good actress. I loved the juxtaposition of the slightly fussy senior citizen and the worldly journalist. An unlikely, but very interesting pairing. Philomena's telling Sixsmith in excruciating detail the plot line of the novel she was reading was hilarious. Her ultimate forgiveness of the church and the nuns for the pain and humiliation they caused her was stunning. Interesting this week too to be reminded of Nelson Madela's desire for reconciliation rather than revenge and retaliation after 27 years in prison. Amazing.

David Mundy said...

That scene is priceless Shirley, a moment when Coogan and Dench shine as a comedic pair. I agree with your comment about the juxtaposition between the two. Yes, we do need more forgiveness stories, and this is a good one.

Unknown said...

Isn't it sad, though, that the Body which is supposed to hearald the gift of forgiveness is in need of so much forgiveness, for not being forgiving of people's "sins"....