Philadelphia

Given the era, this is a better than expected Hollywood social drama. A great deal is due to Jonathan Demme--a master craftsman who'd just taken criticism for his treatment of the LGBTQ community in Silence of the Lambs. Rather than scream "Cancel Culture!", he listened and stepped up with a story where the hero faces discrimination in every obstacle, scene, and close-up. Hanks & Denzel are amazing, and the emotional soundtrack includes Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and opera! Fantastic.

Demme does a fantastic job of directing and makes great use of characterization, but I found some parts in this movie to be rather cliche and melodromatic. Even still, Philadelphia is a movie that is hard to forget, It keep's you thinking after it's over. This film makes you question the supposed equality we have in North America. Tom Hanks walked away with a well deserved Oscar for this film.

Heartbreaking, eye-opening drama about the end of a gay man's life after contracting AIDS. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington both provide heartfelt, powerful performances.

Not bad. Not amazing either. Hanks gives a good performance that carries the film. One of my least favorite Demme movies.

Even though I knew what was going to happen, I finished this film in tears. I am also surprised that Denzel didn't get an Academy nom for this.