sign in
register
Watch
Max Amazon Channel Max Apple TV
+7
Philomena
Max Amazon Channel Max Apple TV
+7
JustWatch
Remove ads

Philomena

2013
Drama
1h 38m
Director Stephen Frears (The Queen) teams with Judi Dench and Steve Coogan for this powerful true story of an unmarried Irish-Catholic woman who, decades after being forced by her community to give up her newborn son, embarks on a search to find him with the aid of a BBC reporter. (tiff.net)
Directed by:
Stephen Frears Stephen Frears
Written by:
Steve Coogan Steve Coogan Jeff Pope Martin Sixsmith
+2 more
Starring:
Steve Coogan Steve Coogan Judi Dench Judi Dench Charles Q. Murphy Charles Q. Murphy Mare Winningham Mare Winningham Barbara Jefford Barbara Jefford Anna Maxwell Martin Sean Mahon Michelle Fairley Michelle Fairley Wunmi Mosaku Wunmi Mosaku Neve Gachev Sophie Kennedy Clark Sophie Kennedy Clark Peter Hermann
More
Genre:
Drama
Country:
UK
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
See title update history
Suggest an edit
Show Less
Your probable score
?

Philomena

2013
Drama
1h 38m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 58.55% from 1317 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1316)
Compact view
clear
Compact view
Show
Sort
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 18 Jan 2014
6
35th
Achieves nothing remarkable other than Dench getting her kicks from watching Big Momma's House on pay-per-view. And I probably would've bumped up my score if she had bothered to share her thoughts about it.
Rated 18 Jan 2014
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 25 Jan 2014
75
67th
Frears' solid direction, Dench's wonderful acting, and a very engaging story make this a very enjoyable film. Not really sure why this is getting so much awards attention, but what are you gonna do?
Rated 25 Jan 2014
chadisdangerchadisdanger
Rated 05 Dec 2013
70
25th
A quiet, modest and mildly amusing drama with solid if unremarkable performances. This is just about as middle-of-the-road as you can get, and it doesn't have anything particularly interesting to say, but it's a moving little story and it passes the time.
Rated 05 Dec 2013
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 26 Dec 2013
2
11th
"human interest stories are a euphemism for stories about weak-minded, ignorant people". well, this obviously made him look like a douche. however, if your story about human toil and triumph is interesting or unique, people probably won't denigrate it as human interest. and the man is right: the acts here are unforgivable, as is the sap shit about holding hands in the face of evil. but this inoffensive oscar fluff does manage to emote once or twice through its layers of schmaltz.
Rated 26 Dec 2013
kasperlKasperL
Rated 17 Mar 2014
55
39th
TV Movie of the Week type stuff, with above average acting. It seemed rather calculated, and the humor wasn't great. So it failed to win me over.
Rated 17 Mar 2014
rufamRufam
Rated 10 Mar 2014
65
42nd
A competent, gently moving portrayal of a story worth telling -one that is, predictably, unable to escape formula. The comedic parts are mostly awkward and the religious debates rather trite (although the compromise near the end was a remarkably resonant moment), but there's no denying the power of Dench's performance, the earnestness of the filmmakers or the engaging source material. But it never transcends the limitations of the 'human interest story' that it itself seems to acknowledge.
Rated 10 Mar 2014
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 02 Mar 2014
60
18th
Dench is the whole show here, convincingly transforming into an ingratiating, working-class woman, hiding her past demons and emotional baggage behind a facade of cheerfulness. Unfortunately the screenplay feels too pat, contrived and melodramatic to be genuinely moving; a more scathing look at the Church which fosters and promotes such brutal behaviour would have been more interesting. Like its leading character, the film forces a warm and fuzzy smile on material which wears it uneasily.
Rated 02 Mar 2014
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 13 Dec 2013
60
10th
Doesn't really have much of an impact. I'm just not one for those types of "silly, kooky old lady who says things like 'gay homosexual' but is actually smarter than she seems" characters that Judi Dench is playing here. Add to this the fact that the film seems to clearly side with Coogan's character's view of the story, so the whole thing just seems a little trite. It's a fun journey, but I doubt I'll remember it a year from now.
Rated 13 Dec 2013
fthdfth.d
Rated 06 Apr 2014
80
87th
"gerçek katoliklik bu değil .ss"
Rated 06 Apr 2014
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 17 Jun 2020
70
83rd
Coogan and Dench's back-and-forth make Philomena worth watching. While the subject matter is sad, I can't say I personally found it that emotionally moving, though the film does make it engaging enough. Coogan taking the nun to task was pretty satisfying. I'm not sure why, but for the first half of the film I kept expecting the revealed identity to be a mistake or subversion. Philomena remains a good film, well-acted.
Rated 17 Jun 2020
vdecraimVdecraim
Rated 12 Feb 2014
75
57th
It holds some likeable and motivated characters, who keep it interesting throughout the short running time. I was looking for something more, with the most profound moments being people looking out of windows. A nice well-written little drama. Nothing more, nothing less.
Rated 12 Feb 2014
dougiedDougieD
Rated 15 Dec 2013
65
28th
A middlebrow prestige film that tells a moving and important message in a safe and non-offensive manner. Dench does okay work here, but it's nowhere near the level of acting she gave in films like Notes on a Scandal or Iris.
Rated 15 Dec 2013
gideonGideon
Rated 20 Feb 2014
2
59th
The way the story is told would translate better as a documentary. There is simply not enough meat on the bones to really impress. This film really had the potential to bite catholicism, or religion as a whole, in the ass, but remains too modest for its own good. Shame.
Rated 20 Feb 2014
andreasthauAndreasThau
Rated 05 Mar 2014
60
42nd
It's charming enough, but Judi Dench's character is a bit too stupid (and yet of course clever). Both actors pull it off well enough, and it's a decent story. Worth watching, not more.
Rated 05 Mar 2014
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 28 Feb 2014
77
64th
A small, well-acted drama that has a lot of heart, but little impact.
Rated 28 Feb 2014
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 06 Mar 2014
80
77th
Could watch DAME Judy Dench watch Big Momma's House at least twice.
Rated 06 Mar 2014
wezzoWezzo
Rated 04 Nov 2013
92
86th
A nice, quiet little film that gets just about everything right. The moving true story that serves as the film's basis is a strong platform, but Judi Dench and Steve Coogan's standout performances help elevate the material into something even greater than the sum of its parts. So goes, too, for the sentimental wit of the excellent screenplay, towing a tough line between wry comedy and powerful drama, and pulling it off with style.
Rated 04 Nov 2013
jasminmmajasminmma
Rated 28 Nov 2021
85
65th
Well written, with incredible acting - especially by Judi! Some very funny moments and some very sad moments. 100% believable, all round great movie.
Rated 28 Nov 2021
damildamil
Rated 25 Jan 2014
75
81st
The film totally won me over. Judi Dench is wonderful and adorable, and Steve Coogan is also quite likable. It's a pretty sad true story, and I definitely got emotional a few times. Sometimes that emotion was just anger though - the film reminded me why I dislike both nuns and republicans. Anyway, yeah, I liked it and I'm sure a lot of other people would too.
Rated 25 Jan 2014
dylanwilson6dylanwilson6
Rated 25 Feb 2014
75
67th
I came in with no expectations other than the fact that it was nominated for best picture. It was an interesting story with some pretty damn good performances from both Dench and Coogan. It really is a journey film and both characters really travel on both a literal and emotional trip. But for some reason it doesn't have the weight to make you remember this movie years from now, and I can already tell that it won't stick with me. I really enjoyed the score though.
Rated 25 Feb 2014
cowfrappecowfrappe
Rated 10 Dec 2013
76
78th
A very pleasant surprise. Dench is amazing as always, and the screenplay keeps the film surprisingly far away from Lifetime-movie fare.
Rated 10 Dec 2013
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 22 May 2014
50
27th
The goodwill Stephen Frears has engendered with such great works like The Grifters and The Queen is starting to wear off. This generic weepie certainly doesn't turn things around.
Rated 22 May 2014
burrrburrr
Rated 29 May 2018
86
75th
83.50+.55+1.50 = 85.55.
Rated 29 May 2018
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 10 Jun 2015
35
30th
Journalists are presented too kindly in this disposable film. Solid human-interest material, but one of Eisenstein's Russian history films would certainly be a superior cinematic experience.
Rated 10 Jun 2015
kavuKavu
Rated 21 Feb 2014
70
48th
Dench and Coogan do a good job. The execution of the great story feels a bit too much like your average tv mystery movie.
Rated 21 Feb 2014
selenajickselenajick
Rated 28 Jan 2014
85
45th
watch Philomena Streaming online here http://goo.gl/E4h2eG
Rated 28 Jan 2014
henrikHenrik
Rated 19 Jan 2014
75
69th
Very well written and acted. The direction choices are a tad conventional though.
Rated 19 Jan 2014
dmcrimsonDMCrimson
Rated 26 Jul 2014
74
22nd
Doesn't really engage until 50 minutes into the film.
Rated 26 Jul 2014
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 23 Apr 2014
76
43rd
It sounds like a breed of horse but it's really a movie about family. For the most part, I thought this film was pretty good. It has a lot of touching moments and a lot of moments that give you righteous anger. Judy Dench did a fine job as always. It was nice to see Steve Coogan in a slightly more serious role...
Rated 23 Apr 2014
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 10 Sep 2014
75
63rd
Judi Dench's face. That's all you need! Also, this is a fairly small film with a rather interesting story at its core.
Rated 10 Sep 2014
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 31 Dec 2013
92
88th
So sad and beautiful and just lovely in a way that was very different from everything else I've seen this year.
Rated 31 Dec 2013
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 20 Mar 2016
80
74th
Solid drama with good performances. I was expecting not to enjoy the subject matter but Judi Dench brought some wonderful moments of levity (she has great comic timing!) to a poignant role. Coogan, he was more of an everyman. He was solid, but his role could have been played by other actors. Stephen Frears rarely disappoints!
Rated 20 Mar 2016
ocelotOcelot
Rated 10 Feb 2014
55
45th
As far as movies with evil nuns go, I prefer Hot Fuzz.
Rated 10 Feb 2014
isaboojumisaboojum
Rated 19 Oct 2015
2
29th
A little disappointing in the way it's told. And I'm afraid that, in the end, they proved the journalist's point that human interest stories are about "vulnerable, weak-minded, ignorant people".
Rated 19 Oct 2015
cstewart64CStewart64
Rated 28 Apr 2016
13
64th
W4E0P1S2V1M1A2R2.
Rated 28 Apr 2016
perrystroikaPerryStroika
Rated 25 Jun 2014
63
53rd
A solidly crafted if conventional middlebrow tearjerker.
Rated 25 Jun 2014
sourheartsourheart
Rated 20 Jul 2019
2
10th
It fine
Rated 20 Jul 2019
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 09 Dec 2014
7
57th
Philomena completely took me by surprise and it remarkably managed to make me both laugh and cry. This is a truly tragic story with several tough moments, but the balance of emotion and humour is perfectly pitched. Judi Dench unsurprisingly gives a masterclass and the innocence of her character is both touching and amusing. Whilst Steve Coogan gives my favourite of his post Partridge performances and once again he shows how good of an actor he really is. One of the surprising gems of the year.
Rated 09 Dec 2014
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 27 Feb 2016
2
46th
Painfully calculated 'heart-warming' odd-couple with some really awful teen-angst level theological guff. Frears is a safe pair of hands (eyes?) though and Dench is really good so there are actually a couple of good moments. Still don't recommend.
Rated 27 Feb 2016
siphus007siphus007
Rated 30 Oct 2022
81
77th
An emotional tale with thematic undercurrents of faith, grief, disappointment, and injustice, and the complexity of differing worldviews. Judi Dench is philomenomenal.
Rated 30 Oct 2022
tma1tma1
Rated 13 Jul 2014
90
94th
Fantastic.
Rated 13 Jul 2014
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 19 Apr 2020
82
53rd
B+
Rated 19 Apr 2020
sieghardtSieghardt
Rated 09 Mar 2014
50
40th
A decent story that takes too much artistic license with a far better true story that might have been better served with a documentary.
Rated 09 Mar 2014
nargNarg
Rated 05 Jul 2022
47
33rd
Fine. Goes for the most safe, least likely to be interesting visual choice at all times.
Rated 05 Jul 2022
dresd_r_e_s_
Rated 16 Feb 2014
4
90th
More dark and powerful than I expected. Coogan is excellent, however Dench is absolutely mesmerizing. It's a very subtle plot, but gains on you as the time passes. I was very entertained from start till finish. - Very Good
Rated 16 Feb 2014
hunterkingHunterKing
Rated 21 Feb 2014
65
20th
The Oscars' token feel-good stupid movie. The plot is enjoyable if you don't think too hard, the messages are blindingly obvious and boring, but the characters are enjoyable. Boils down to a good human interest story. Or Lifetime original movie.
Rated 21 Feb 2014
timon88Timon88
Rated 01 Jul 2022
68
62nd
"The baby's the wrong way around!" "The pain is her penance." Thank you, religion - the Catholic church rarely disappoints. Stephen Frears certainly knows how to tell a story, and a touching one this is. And this movie bears out my notion that comics (or people who have made their names as comic actors) are the most capable of conveying complex emotions. Steve Coogan manages to upstage (subtly, of course) Judi Dench more than once - who is marvelous.
Rated 01 Jul 2022
burkayadaligburkayadalig
Rated 11 Feb 2014
78
60th
well acted very emotional story... never read the book but I dont think it's a good adaptation with that many abrupt jumps in the story..
Rated 11 Feb 2014
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 30 Dec 2015
75
63rd
A smartly paced script and a fantastic performance by Judi Dench absolutely carry this movie. It's no masterpiece or anything, but it's a very endearing, engaging way to spend a quick hour and a half.
Rated 30 Dec 2015
aflickeringAFlickering
Rated 07 Feb 2014
1
4th
it wasn't me who noticed this (so it might not be true), but.... three consecutive steve coogan lines: 1) "Human interest stories are garbage." 2) "Should I do a human interest story?" 3) "Hello, Philomena."
Rated 07 Feb 2014
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 08 Jan 2017
80
66th
Great mix of drama and comedy, with a deep performance from Dame Judi Dench.
Rated 08 Jan 2017
glm01glm01
Rated 01 Oct 2018
81
68th
81.33.
Rated 01 Oct 2018
pluggedinPluggedIN
Rated 18 Dec 2013
60
62nd
But it also lets linger a lasting hatred for the Catholic church, an attitude that sometimes edges out beyond a reasonable outrage over specific misdeeds in its past. And that prompted New York Post reviewer Kyle Smith to write, "This is a diabolical-Catholics film, straight up. ... A film that is half as harsh on Judaism or Islam, of course, wouldn't be made in the first place but would be universally reviled if it were. Philomena is a sucker punch, or maybe a sugary slice of arsenic cake."
Rated 18 Dec 2013
patmanpatman
Rated 10 Feb 2014
73
83rd
The humble and honestly approach makes this an very enjoyable and charming movie. It very well balances the compelling story with enough wittiness. Good acting, especially by Dench that makes for a memorable relationship.
Rated 10 Feb 2014
jp3jp3
Rated 23 Mar 2024
80
58th
rittehRitteh
Rated 14 Sep 2015
85
93rd
A nice story with a touch of humor. Took off some points for a lack of explanation of one of the scenes.
Rated 14 Sep 2015
cianmCianM
Rated 19 Feb 2014
88
82nd
Dench and Coogan are a strong pairing to lead the film, and there is some genuine chemistry between the pair which carries the story nicely. Compared to the other 2014 oscar noms, this film is not as well made. It is not as polished or sharp or clear, and maybe it shouldn't be. The true story behind it all is incredibly powerful and moving, and distinctly infuriating. The film left me burning with a hatred of the crimes committed by the Catholic church in Ireland. The ending is painful to watch
Rated 19 Feb 2014
wokelsteinwokelstein
Rated 17 Dec 2014
68
45th
A watchable low-effort bit of Catholic bashing. The indignant Steve Coogan chewing out the bastards at the end is a real groaner, but it's hard not to be moved by this general premise and the rest of the expected pay-offs.
Rated 17 Dec 2014
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 23 Apr 2014
60
52nd
Pleasant, if lacking a little bite and grit. Coogan and Dench both hold up the movie admirably and a solid screenplay sees this through its runtime easily. Not extraordinary, but worth a visit.
Rated 23 Apr 2014
benoliver999benoliver999
Rated 05 Feb 2015
70
56th
Coogan is a posh journalist and Dench is an old Catholic woman, yet Frears manages to play the culture clash in a unique, bullshit-free way. I've not read the source material, but Philomena feels like a charming encounter between two real people, rather than a hilarious meeting of worlds.
Rated 05 Feb 2015
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 24 Feb 2014
36
15th
Ah aqueles filmes de sempre distribuídos pelos Weinstein... Frears já foi bem melhor, especialmente nos anos 80 e 90.
Rated 24 Feb 2014
chemical404chemical404
Rated 12 Jan 2015
50
38th
Surprisingly watchable, for a movie as attractive as 70 years old Judi Dench. The story is a very conventional, predictable tear-jerker with a few laughs thrown in to keep it going. It throws a few jabs at Catholic church, but not enough to make some strong statement.
Rated 12 Jan 2015
realmacgyverRealMacgyver
Rated 14 May 2015
80
79th
Fucking catholics
Rated 14 May 2015
beer94Beer94
Rated 23 Feb 2014
67
59th
I don't really understand some of the reviews I'm reading here. As far as I'm concerned, the balance between its humour and emotion was pitched almost perfectly. It's certainly thought-provoking if anything. Dench is superb and I hope she gets a few nods for this performance. A few niggles as with any film, mostly its pacing, but overall, a very pleasant watch.
Rated 23 Feb 2014
thehynesthehynes
Rated 24 Nov 2014
53
40th
Makes me a little bit angry. At times it makes me sad. Putting aside the subject material and it's ability to tug at my heart strings it's a tad of a plodder although I'm not really the target audience.
Rated 24 Nov 2014
daisy_fairydaisy-fairy
Rated 11 Jan 2015
75
57th
As much as I love Judi Dench, this movie was not very interesting after all.
Rated 11 Jan 2015
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 08 Mar 2015
65
73rd
Good film.
Rated 08 Mar 2015
mandymandy
Rated 07 Nov 2013
8
92nd
A life affirming story of loss and belief, full of wit and observation. Brilliantly acted by Dench and Coogan who portray the unlikely relationship in a believable and charming way.
Rated 07 Nov 2013
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 23 Jun 2018
60
63rd
okay movie
Rated 23 Jun 2018
telemecusTelemecus
Rated 03 Mar 2016
60
73rd
I thought I was going to see a film which I had seen many times before, and mostly I had. But the extra twists at the end did kick even my gristled old soul to anger. Dench gave the solid performance with the comic touches I expected. But Coogan was the revelation, he did the serious sidekick perfectly - and when he got angry I had to reappraise him as a serious actor.
Rated 03 Mar 2016
jerkyJerky
Rated 03 Mar 2014
60
72nd
Never trust the Catholic church...lesson learned!
Rated 03 Mar 2014
xacviantxacviant
Rated 02 Jan 2014
84
67th
The true story of Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) who sets out to track down the son she was forced to give up 50 years earlier, accompanied by a fallen journalist (Steve Coogan). A potentially manipulative story made to work by careful handling: Stephen Frears' direction gives the film the grounding it needs. The script, co-written by Coogan, is direct and sensitive (though Coogan gives himself some hamfisted lines). And Dench nails every side of Philomena--her naivete, her compassion, and her pain.
Rated 02 Jan 2014
forehead1forehead1
Rated 21 Jul 2023
60
71st
I was worried this would be a bit boring but it’s an interesting story with two good leads – no fireworks, just a typical old fashioned engaging movie (with a fair smattering of amusing comments from Coogan’s character). I’d put the lack of drama & tear-jerking moments down to the fact the piece was trying to be as authentic to the true story as possible, so it was a surprise to discover plenty of artistic liberties had been taken with the narrative already.
Rated 21 Jul 2023
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 03 Mar 2014
40
27th
Oh no, old brit goes to america, which conflicts will arise.
Rated 03 Mar 2014
hajikarimihajikarimi
Rated 02 Sep 2015
93
82nd
1351
Rated 02 Sep 2015
icarusIcarus
Rated 03 Jul 2014
82
69th
A capable drama for grown ups from Frears, and company. While the central relationship feels somewhat streamlined for purposes of the narrative, I appreciated the overall arc--this is less a movie about the Catholic Church as an institution, and more about one woman's Catholic faith lived out in its simplicity amid complex, painful, and potentially unforgivable events. That Philomena's faith prompts her forgiveness of evil doers stands as a pretty stiff challenge to any viewer, Catholic or not.
Rated 03 Jul 2014
jordanligejordanlige
Rated 15 Dec 2013
100
51st
very good movie
Rated 15 Dec 2013
vinegarbobVinegarBob
Rated 08 Feb 2014
70
54th
Nice script, mildly amusing, couple of chuckles, nothing more.
Rated 08 Feb 2014
bentienbentien
Rated 08 Dec 2013
70
75th
Lovely stuff.
Rated 08 Dec 2013
caffecaffe
Rated 19 Oct 2018
39
18th
Do you have a grandmother? She will probably love this.
Rated 19 Oct 2018
couch_potatoCouch Potato
Rated 17 Jan 2014
85
69th
Very sad story, very touching movie with two great actors. Also had some nice humour in it to make it a little less heavy.
Rated 17 Jan 2014
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 09 Feb 2014
70
46th
Aside from Dench, Philomena is pretty mediocre. It pulls on the heart strings when it should and Coogan's character changes, ever so slightly, as is required. Dench pronouncing 'condoms' and desire to watch Big Mamma's House were the high points.
Rated 09 Feb 2014

Collections

(32)
Compact view
Show
Sort
smviper00
Moderated by smviper00
Last updated on with Maestro
geohawk
Moderated by geohawk
Last updated on with Soft & Quiet
kasperl
Moderated by KasperL
Last updated on with Challengers
Last updated on with Women Talking
kubricksucks
Moderated by kubricksucks
Last updated on with Sound of Freedom
fanfic
Moderated by fanfic
Last updated on with The Last Witch Hunter
djross
Moderated by djross
Last updated on with Girls on the Bus
mpowell
Moderated by mpowell
Last updated on with Killswitch
bobyang
Moderated by bobyang
Last updated on with Concerned Citizen
sesito71
Moderated by sesito71
Last updated on with Nähtamatu võitlus
ag0stomesmer
Moderated by Ag0stoMesmer
Last updated on with Jesus Revolution
fanfic
Moderated by fanfic
Last updated on with Babylon A.D.
moribunny
Moderated by Moribunny
Last updated on with Thunder on the Hill
ag0stomesmer
Moderated by Ag0stoMesmer
Last updated on with Professor Marston & the Wonder Women
toro913
Moderated by toro913
Last updated on with The Dog
ceseth
Moderated by ceseth
Last updated on with Just Before Losing Everything
sianaa
Moderated by sianaa
Last updated on with Okuribito
iconogassed
Moderated by iconogassed
Last updated on with The Death of Stalin
sirstuckey
Moderated by SirStuckey
Last updated on with Nope
toro913
Moderated by toro913
Last updated on with Miss Violence
mandy
Moderated by mandy
Last updated on with As bestas
djross
Moderated by djross
Last updated on with The Advocate
ebel
Moderated by ebel
Last updated on with The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne
Last updated on with Heavy Metal 2000
Showing 1 - 24 of 32 results

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...

Trailer

Loading ...