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Philadelphia

Philadelphia

1993
Drama
2h 5m
When a man with AIDS is fired by a conservative law firm because of his condition, he hires a homophobic small time lawyer as the only willing advocate for a wrongful dismissal suit. (imdb)
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Philadelphia

1993
Drama
2h 5m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 60.39% from 5651 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(5651)
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Rated 08 Jun 2021
85
73rd
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.
Rated 01 Oct 2007
87
86th
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.
Rated 20 Mar 2008
6
55th
Not bad. Not amazing either. Hanks gives a good performance that carries the film. One of my least favorite Demme movies.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
84th
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.
Rated 17 Jun 2015
7
63rd
Great elements here are held back by little snags: Beautiful editing (see the Springsteen- and Young-backed bookending montages) and unique shots by long scenes that drag a tad; compelling courtroom drama by its abrupt conclusion that doesn't follow its build-up; the intriguing central relationship by Miller's unclear character development. That said, the film's bold approach to its subject matter-led by Hanks' and Washington's stellar turns-puts the focus on its pros instead of cons.
Rated 08 Jun 2009
80
91st
Maybe a bit over the top melodrama-wise towards the end, but this needed to be told.
Rated 18 Jan 2020
70
46th
The response to LGBT backlash against Silence of the Lambs ages oddly. Much of the politics seem ancient and melodramatic to the point of absurdity, and on the other hand, the social commentary surrounding the court case seems like it could have been recorded last week. I think Demme is the star of the show with some dazzling direction. Hanks is great as is Denzel, but, boy, is the latter character poorly written. His arc is that he grew enough to touch the face of a man with AIDS. Hooray...
Rated 01 Dec 2020
85
85th
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.
Rated 20 Aug 2021
69
70th
a straight film for straight people, about gays
Rated 24 Jan 2008
85
88th
It boards very well the subject of the homosexuality and of the prejudice to the AIDS sufferers.
Rated 24 Sep 2008
86
88th
A really important movie at that time, with a still convincing performance by Hanks and Washington. Unfortunately, tv stations brought it too often...
Rated 05 Sep 2007
70
58th
A compelling movie about a tough subject. It could have been a really top film if it would have taken the time to develop multi-dimensional characters as it was forwarding the plot. All the characters don't have to mesh perfectly with the central theme.
Rated 23 Sep 2010
73
88th
The script is a bit bland but god damn if Hanks and Washington aren't on top of their game.
Rated 01 Feb 2014
55
20th
This film LITERALLY lacks balls and Murray! The slow-dancing, fight scene, and home movies with Hanks and Antonio were quality even though they didn't BALL. I never thought I'd see Hanks in a gay porn theater, and I CERTAINLY never thought I'd see him cheat on Antonio! The guy he cheated with was a douche! Anyway Hanks = Love
Rated 24 Jun 2012
74
74th
Thank god for Jonathan Demme doing close ups of Denzel Washington. :D
Rated 15 Aug 2017
80
74th
A really solid dramatic film. The actors are top-grade, their performances are on the money, the script is paced well and stays interesting, and there's a morality which, much like in The Shawshank Redemption, is 90% black-and-white and gets the viewer immediately involved. To become outstanding, the second act could perhaps have used a couple more twists, but even with the actors and subject matter this had Oscars written all over it.
Rated 06 Nov 2017
60
52nd
Ultimate aids movie
Rated 09 Nov 2007
95
94th
A great movie about a man faced with the hardships of living with AIDS. It is a head-first look at the discrimination and ignorance one must face everyday. This is probably Tom Hanks greatest achievement, along side of "Saving Private Ryan".
Rated 11 Feb 2009
100
92nd
Superb acting
Rated 27 Mar 2011
20
44th
For an encore to his Silence of the Lambs, Demme offers an olive branch to the homosexual protesters of his depiction therein of a serial killer. A talking-heads movie with driblets of consciousness-raising strewn throughout. (Our point of identification is the ambulence-chaser who agrees squeamishly to take the case -- Washington, highly ingratiating -- and ultimately attains enlightenment.) Every now and then Demme bestirs himself from the TV closeups to do some antsy and energetic direction
Rated 08 Sep 2014
65
64th
A good, if unexceptional, film with strong performances and wonky editing choices. Oddly enough, it was refreshing to hear the word "faggot" used so much in a film that preaches the opposite. Movies recently tend to be toothless with the words of their bigots and the most important thing is making them sound real, which this movie captured well. Tom Hanks listening to opera was the most obvious "Oscar scene" I've ever watched. And he totally earned it.
Rated 20 Mar 2007
76
72nd
Strong performances from Oscar-winner Hanks and Denzel Washington in an early controversial film with a focus on homosexuality, but Jon Demme (Silence of the Lambs) spins a satisfactory drama as his band-aid for all the homosexual backlash surrounding his psychotic gay serial killer in his previous Oscar-winning film "Silence of the Lambs."
Rated 25 Dec 2006
93
90th
Heartwrenching. I cried for like half an hour after the first time I saw this movie, which is VERY out of character considering I cry at like 1 in 100 movies I watch.
Rated 07 May 2012
65
59th
An interesting story, a bit too much in your face about AIDS for me but maybe it is what the era needed. The extraordinary amount of close ups were also interesting, can understand some of it but I found it a bit too much, but the opera scene was definitely amazing. Solid performances from Hanks and Washington.
Rated 31 Jul 2012
70
44th
Demme is a master.
Rated 13 Nov 2017
87
77th
BACK-FILLING WHOLE LOT OF FILMS NOT SEEN FOR A LONG, LONG TIME -> Recall/Scores may be 20-30% off. Not at all offended, grateful actually, if anyone wants 2 drop me a cordial msg if think memory dulled a gem or gave a rosy tint to clunker. IE. Tell me WHY Im wrong & what U think I should score. Love film chat/debate|
Rated 09 Jun 2009
92
87th
The medicine made huge steps in the last years with regard to the HIV Virus. But that Movie lost nothing on power and actuality. This is a very important Movie that stands for equality,fighting against prejudices and acceptance.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
89
66th
Two very good actors in a very serious and uncomfortable movie.
Rated 24 Jan 2017
75
6th
Denzel is always great
Rated 22 Jun 2007
91
96th
This movie proved that Hanks can do serious drama. I loved it.
Rated 17 Jun 2011
70
69th
"Philadelphia" owes a lot to its actors: Denzel Washington is great as Miller, while Hanks also provides a notable performance in the leading role. The supporting cast is very good as well, especially Steenburgen and Robards - and, for once in his career, Banderas wasn't ridiculous. Still, although there are many potent dramatic scenes (the court ones in particular), it's a film that follows the storyline of the typical, manipulative American drama without offering anything new.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
78
71st
2 very strong performances by Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in this film. Their performances carry the film and make the film worth watching.
Rated 04 Apr 2015
5
92nd
More than 20 years later and it still makes you think and reflect ...
Rated 13 Sep 2009
90
95th
Important
Rated 26 May 2008
88
86th
Powerful, thought provoking and moving. Tom Hanks taking his biggest chance produced a believable and touching portrait. The subject matter may limit the appeal but this is a gem that is greatly under-rated
Rated 03 Jun 2013
80
77th
Tom Hanks, like I've never seen him before. Denzel, like I always knew he would be.
Rated 30 Jun 2011
70
53rd
Wish Hanks had that little mustache he has in the Fisting Fireman theater the entire movie , he keeps getting weaker but that mustache gets stronger until it e'amkmrhkenarhk'ermaerjae'ijmpmn
Rated 12 Jul 2007
93
85th
Really well-done.
Rated 31 Mar 2012
85
50th
Is it bad that I knocked a few points off the score for this movie because I'm no longer shocked by homosexuality and the AIDS epidemic? I like to think that that reflects positively on my tolerance and open-mindedness.....Hanks definitely deserved his Oscar, but there have been so many other, more recent and more relate-able gay-themed movies since this one, that the bite is gone.
Rated 12 Oct 2014
93
80th
From the first Springstein chords, to the final goodbyes, this is a virtually perfect example of how fear and ignorance die in the crucible of friendship. As in Dallas Buyers Club, two men on opposite rims of the gay divide, do the long and painful dance of understanding.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
80
95th
Great film.
Rated 19 Mar 2009
65
48th
one of those movies that can't help but be seen as powerful because of the subject matter. that's not a get out of jail free card though, and this film is kind of mediocre.
Rated 23 Feb 2010
80
74th
The film does a great job of showing the power of hatred and intolerance towards homosexuals, but far too often comes across heavy-handed. There's a lot more here to like than dislike (Washington, Hanks, and Banderas are all amazing), but the cut and paste prejudice and overdone stock situations hold it back a bit.
Rated 21 Feb 2008
91
96th
Oooh this is a good movie. Hanks is great. Washington is good. And its a courtroom drama which I kinda like (at least reading them). Great film and message.
Rated 14 Apr 2008
98
99th
Everyone should see this film.
Rated 22 Aug 2007
80
80th
Very Good
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
73rd
Strong acting and the subject matter is handled well.
Rated 07 Jul 2008
75
65th
Proof, as if any was needed, that Tom Hanks is in fact an extraordinary actor. Splendid performances all around. A truly powerful film about the realism of prejudice. Bit too many cliches in parts and it could probably pace itself a bit better, but it's still a must-see. Demme does a fabulous job directing.
Rated 02 Jun 2009
72
65th
Excellent performance of Tom Hanks in this courtroom drama of discrimination, compassion and understanding about a man, Andrew, with AIDS having been fired by his conservative law firm. Denzel Washington as the homophobe lawyer defending Andrew makes for a great second leading role. Despite the moving story and a powerful opera scene, I think it's mainly the title song that will stick to me from this somewhat dated (?) film...
Rated 11 Aug 2014
95
92nd
The performances all seem to reflect the personal histories of each character, perhaps because each scene gives them another situation to respond to, changing the course of their thoughts, feelings or actions. Everyone is human here. Everybody---from the underdog hero to the friends and families of the central figures, from the ignorant but humanist attorney to the smallest player in the courtroom---has opinions and feelings, consequences, they change, they carry things forward, such is life.
Rated 25 Oct 2014
8
76th
Philadelphia is a simplistic court room drama that approaches a tough subject matter with raw, honest and stellar performances. At times the film borders on melodramatic and can feel forced. But it's undoubtedly touching and powerful. Tom Hanks gives an absolute masterclass and Denzel Washington also gives a superb performance. Antonio Banderas is a worthy mention also. It's not the most interesting court room drama, but it's a tough and moving story with two incredibly captivating performances.
Rated 31 Jul 2018
95
84th
Powerful movie with incredible performances by Hanks and Washington. Hanks won the Academy Award for this role.
Rated 15 Nov 2018
74
63rd
Not really a 'I have to see that again!' film but a great performance by Hanks and it keeps you entertained enough despite like 70% of this film taking place in a court room
Rated 23 Jun 2019
84
69th
Liked it, especially that good indie filmmaking opera scene. However, I wish this had more of an emotional core... it seemed like it was a little emotionally stale. We really didn't dive deep into Andy's psychological state throughout his journey, and I wish we saw more of his relationship with Antonio Bandera's character. I feel like this kind of emotionally bland, boring-aesthetics movie was made specifically for white, straight homophobic dudes.
Rated 30 Dec 2019
71
42nd
Good courtroom drama.
Rated 20 Aug 2021
54
66th
It's a decent film, but one that was clearly made by and for heterosexuals. Still an important film for the time.
Rated 13 Mar 2009
83
88th
Great movie!
Rated 18 Jun 2009
88
88th
The only movie that has ever made me cry, and a powerful voice against intolerance against all people. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are nothing short of magnificent in this movie. A real tragic story, brimming with emotion.
Rated 10 Sep 2010
54
71st
#90s(e)#, reviews.
Rated 16 Sep 2014
80
61st
Denzel Washington is superb, and Tom Hanks is decent. The story is good, classic, but ultimately, very sad.
Rated 08 Apr 2009
62
18th
I always felt like this movie succeeded for the topic, more than performances, story, or anything else... I didn't think it was as good as everyone was declaring then, and I think it probably hasn't aged well, either...
Rated 10 Feb 2007
80
64th
My ★★★★ review of Philadelphia on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/5kkwvZ
Rated 22 Mar 2008
75
47th
This is where Tom Hanks's lack of range became apparent to me. It would have been a strong moive otherwise.
Rated 22 Oct 2010
8
68th
This is about as good as movie-making can get. It's just a perfectly constructed movie. Watch how the camera moves in on the actors' faces as they are expressing moments of thoughtfulness and emotion.
Rated 20 Nov 2009
80
85th
Foi aqui que eu realmente comecei a gosatar do Tom Hanks, antes acostumado com aquelas suas comédias de sessão da tarde.
Rated 15 Mar 2009
71
63rd
Hanks's Oscar-winning portrayal of an AiDS-infected attorney is the main draw in this heartfelt drama. Washington is equally good as the homophobic attorney. The screenplay is a masterpiece of character development and suspense.
Rated 24 Nov 2015
89
92nd
You pretty much have to sit in awe of Hanks' and Washington's incredible performances. Every now and then there's a step towards melodrama, but it's necessarily brutal, and delivers an absolutely gut-wrenching conclusion. Superb.
Rated 14 Nov 2008
86
88th
The film raises serious issues and views. Great cast at the head of which stands Tom Hanks. One dialogue will remain in my memory: "Gay rise in disgust me ... But in this case, abide by the law" A unique film.
Rated 26 Oct 2008
100
0th
Good movie.
Rated 09 Feb 2009
80
88th
Having worked in law for a while now I always appreciate when a lawyer movie portrays the court proceedings in an accurate manner. Tom Hanks was obviously brilliant, and the way HIV/AIDS was handled in the film (the fear and unease that surrounds it) felt very genuine.
Rated 10 May 2010
49
11th
Lays it on so thick I almost suffocated, especially the first half. Hanks saves the movie (but I hate the opera monologue), and Denzel and Steenburgen aren't bad either. But, even allowing for the film's significance at a time when AIDS in a wide-release film was a novelty, the blacks are too black and the whites too white. The evil of discrimination usually has nothing to do with evil men, but with the evil of the system they inhabit -- why not expose that instead of creating cartoon villains?
Rated 25 Feb 2007
88
71st
Oh, God, I'm bawling!
Rated 14 Nov 2007
72
45th
Washington and Hanks are both excellent in this, but the story is melodramatic and the pacing of the movie feels off the large majority of the time. It's certainly not bad, really in any respect, but there are so many aspects of the movie that could have been made much, much better.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
89
92nd
one of de very very few movies looking into homosexual relationships, biases and general issues in a very matured manner-should be made compulsory viewing in every school and home!
Rated 01 Aug 2009
78
80th
Hanks is exceptional.
Rated 03 Aug 2008
95
97th
Wrenching good
Rated 06 Jun 2009
75
41st
not very rewatchable, so it score lower for me, but overall a very good movie, a bit hard to watch though.
Rated 01 Jan 2008
72
69th
Freedom
Rated 10 Dec 2010
86
82nd
Fantastic performances from Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, especially the later as the bigoted sort of person I seem to see every waking day and am very capable of being myself. May be a little over dramatic every now and then, and honestly a film about a homosexual man shouldn't be my cup of tea. However, the over arching theme of discrimination and that people who are different are still people speak to me. I feel as though I'm a better person for seeing this film. That's rare.
Rated 17 Jun 2011
78
88th
One of the best courtroom dramas ever, right up there with 12 Angry Men. Great performances from Hanks and Washington. The opera bits are a bit over-dramatic but this is still a really good film.
Rated 29 Dec 2011
80
61st
Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington play quite believable characters in this film that deals with homosexuality. I especially like the character played by Denzel, he shows in several scenes what I consider to be the general opinion on homos.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
80
50th
Definately important when it was first made. AIDS was still largely unknown to those who weren't personally affected by it. Years later, it's not as striking as a dramatic film. Hanks does go through quite a transformation as the illness progresses. The physical changes are very believable.
Rated 30 Nov 2006
89
72nd
Very moving drama, have to see it again in the near future.
Rated 18 Jun 2015
8
71st
Demme pulls his punches at certain turns during 'Philadelphia', but despite that, the film is important and powerful thanks to the sincere performances from leads Hanks and Washington, and the relevant topic covered.
Rated 07 Aug 2013
95
87th
A critically important film for the time and for establishing Tom Hanks as a generational acting talent. Wonder if it holds up 20 years later.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
65th
Pretty decent, quite moving, in no small part thanks to Tom Hanks's first rate performance.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
85
67th
Hanks' performance is outstanding.
Rated 31 Jul 2014
68
68th
One of the biggest 90s movies I haven't seen. Until now. The film hasn't aged well, but the most important thing is that it was an important film to be made. Performances are good, and the film shifts between being a tad too sentimental and truly touching.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
80
47th
Heavy, heavy, heavy movie. The light part was truly imagining Tom Hanks and Antonio Banderes as gay lovers :)
Rated 26 Oct 2011
70
48th
Everyone has AIDS! AIDS AIDS AIDS! My father (AIDS!) My sister (AIDS!) My uncle and my cousin and her best friend (AIDS AIDS AIDS!) The gays and the straights And the whites and the spades. EVERYONE HAS AIDS!
Rated 06 Oct 2011
81
69th
Rewatch: it was much braver and demanding then expected. A product of its time, in a good way.
Rated 10 Apr 2012
80
79th
An important movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
32nd
The scrip becomes way too melodramatic at some points, but the film is saved with the performances from Washington and Hanks.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
83
84th
Very moving
Rated 20 Jun 2008
84
83rd
Tom Hanks performance was truly Oscar worthy in Jonathan Demme's drama about a gay lawyer suing for wrongful termination. Hanks takes a risky role and make his best performance.
Rated 26 May 2007
55
48th
Depressing.
Rated 20 Oct 2011
20
41st
"In the guise of piety, Philadelphia panders to a perceived straight-male majority." - Keith Uhlich
Rated 26 Jul 2009
70
51st
Jonothan Demme's follow-up to Silence of the Lambs is quite a disappointment. Tom Hanks is really the only thing that raises this film above average.
Rated 26 May 2008
70
22nd
Overly moralising black-and-white, and Tom Hanks' performance was overhyped. Still, it was a strong drama even if a bit Spielbergian.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
55
63rd
An important film.

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