The Bottom Line
A groundbreaking movie that brought the injustices of HIV and AIDS to light.
Pros
- Brings to light the struggle of those living with HIV & AIDS.
- Academy Award winning performance by Tom Hanks and award winning score by Bruce Springsteen
- Excellent performance by Denzel Washington
Cons
- Parental Guidance suggested.
- Somewhat out of date
- Complex subject matter may not be suitable for children
Description
- Rated PG-13
- Color, Dolby Sound
- Available in VHS (English or dubbed in Spanish) and DVD
- Closed caption for the hearing impaired
Guide Review - Philadelphia
An up and coming lawyer played by Tom Hanks contracts HIV and progresses to AIDS. The partners in his law firm notice Hanks dark lesions characteristic of Kaposi's Sarcoma; the hallmark of AIDS back at the beginning of the epidemic. Afraid of HIV, AIDS, and the poor light they feel it will shine on their law firm, the partners in his law firm fire Hanks, blaming the firing on poor performance. Knowing the firing was more than what appeared on the surface, he hires another attorney (Denzel Washington) to prove his firing was prejudice in nature. Reluctant at first, the character played by Washington realizes the injustice and along with Hanks, sees the case through to it's verdict. This movie enlightened a generation to the prejudices faced by those living with HIV. While it may be a bit dated, it's a must see for anyone trying to understand HIV and AIDS back in the earliest days of the outbreak.
