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Philomena (2013)

PG-13  |   |  Biography, Drama  |  27 November 2013 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 68,229 users   Metascore: 76/100
Reviews: 220 user | 345 critic | 41 from Metacritic.com

A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman's search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent.

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Title: Philomena (2013)

Philomena (2013) on IMDb 7.6/10

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Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 29 wins & 71 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Ruth McCabe ...
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Young Nun
Amy McAllister ...
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Kathleen
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Sister Claire
Kate Fleetwood ...
Young Sister Hildegarde
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Storyline

When former journalist Martin Sixsmith is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what do. That changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena, who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about her search for him that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son's fate. Furthermore, both find their basic beliefs challenged. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

These two unlikely companions are on a journey to find her long lost son.

Genres:

Biography | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 on appeal for some strong language, thematic elements and sexual references | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

| |

Language:

Release Date:

27 November 2013 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Filomena  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$128,435 (USA) (22 November 2013)

Gross:

$37,707,719 (USA) (16 May 2014)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

There are flashbacks which are done with "home movies". Some of these were created for the film but some of them are from actual footage of her real son. See more »

Goofs

When the phone rings in Martin's Washington, D.C. hotel room, the ringtone is typical UK, not US: two short rings, which repeat. "Filming Locations" indicate that interior hotel scenes were filmed at the London Marriott Hotel. The sound editor should have changed ringtone. See more »

Quotes

Philomena: But I don't wanna hate people. I don't wanna be like you. Look at you.
Martin Sixsmith: I'm angry.
Philomena: Must be exhausting.
See more »

Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Venice Film Festival 2013 (2013) See more »

Soundtracks

Panis Angelicus
Written by Thomas Aquinas (as Saint Thomas Aquinas) and César Franck
Choir Mistress: Mags Shepherd
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Finally a Real MOVIE!
28 November 2013 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

Sometimes I get the feeling filmmakers have lost their way. Formulas work and make the basics irrelevant so we get carbon copy blockbusters appealing to the masses clearly showing a reckless disregard for what filmmaking is all about: visually telling a story. And then a film like Philomena comes along and reminds us of the magic that can happen when a true craftsman and artist skillfully blends the basic ingredients of story, character, camera, and music into an exhilarating and powerful work of art. This film is satisfying at every level and gives me hope that some people still know what they are doing when they take the money and do their job effectively. The folks on this one should be extremely proud of their efforts.


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