Philadelphia (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)

Buy This Item Philadelphia (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) by Sony Pictures  Available from Amazon  $14.99  on 11-27-2008     <i>Philadelphia</i> wasn't the first movie about AIDS (it followed such worthy independent films as <i>Parting Glances</i> and <i>Longtime Companion</i>), but it was the first Hollywood studio picture to take AIDS as its primary subject. In that sense, <i>Philadelphia</i> is a historically important film. As such, it's worth remembering that director Jonathan Demme (<i>Melvin and Howard</i>, <i>Something Wild</i>, <i>The Silence of the Lambs</i>) wasn't interested in preaching to the converted; he set out to make a film that would connect with a mainstream audience. And he succeeded. <i>Philadelphia</i> was not only a hit, it also won Oscars for Bruce Springsteen's haunting "The Streets of Philadelphia," and for Tom Hanks as the gay lawyer Andrew Beckett who is unjustly fired by his firm because he has AIDS. Denzel Washington is another lawyer (functioning as the mainstream-audience surrogate) who reluctantly takes Beckett's case and learns to overcome his misconceptions about the disease, about those who contract it, and about gay people in general. The combined warmth and humanism of Hanks and Demme were absolutely essential to making this picture a success. The cast also features Jason Robards, Antonio Banderas (as Beckett's lover), Joanne Woodward, and Robert Ridgely, and, of course, those Demme regulars Charles Napier, Tracey Walter, and Roger Corman. <i>--Jim Emerson</i> Reader Reviews Philadelphia starring Tom Hanks is a powerful movie from beginning to end. I have seen this film many times and I am still moved by the plot and incredible acting especially by Hanks. His performance was a turning point in his career, this film brought him back from his short hiatus. Denzel Washington also stars as Hank's lawyer and even though Washington's character can be superficial at times, he is able to show the many different aspects of a person not familiar with AIDS or homosexuality. If you want a deep and profound film about love, forgiveness, and the strength to stand up for injustice then Philadelphia is the film for you. Enjoy!

Philadelphia (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) Available from Amazon Price: $14.99 Updated on 11-27-2008.

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