Cheap Philadelphia (DVD) (Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington) (Jonathan Demme) Price

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Customer Reviews of Philadelphia

The problem with the script, at least as I see it, is that PHILADELPHIA is written in such a way as to create maximum identification with and sympathy for Hanks, and in consequence it never goes any further than it absolutely must into the myriad of issues swirling around the AIDS epidemic; there is no real effort to look beyond the the deliberately glossy, upper-middle-class surface the film posits as reality. Well intentioned, no doubt, but the film never actually makes a viable statement of any kind.

Even so, Hanks, Washington, and the astonishingly gifted cast turn PHILADELPHIA into a powerfully emotional experience, and that alone is more than worth the price of admission. Strongly recommended--but if you're looking for more in an AIDS-related film than an exercise in catharsis, you may be disappointed.

Fear and Loathing
In March 2002, Denzel Washington was awarded his first Best Actor Academy Award. It was a little late in coming. A myriad of roles in films like "Bone Collector" and "A Soldier's Story" were all Oscar performances. But perhaps his best was in "Philadelphia". 1993's "Philadelphia" is the brutal, uncompromising story of a hot young lawyer, fired by his firm for being gay and contracting a virus. The principal attorney charges that "Andy brought AIDS into our offices". A heart-rending, spell-binding expose of prejudice and bigotry in 20th Century America, "Philadelphia" is really a horror film, where the monster is you and I. We're guilty. We shun the homosexual and bar the AIDS victim. We extend little mercy to society's modern "lepers". Do you doubt it? Then pick up this marvelous DVD. In "Philadelphia", Tom Hanks won his first of 2 Academy Awards. Directed by ace Jonathan Demme, it features Antonio Banderas, Joanne Woodward, the late Jason Robards, and movie director Roger Corman. The award-winning soundtrack includes haunting Neil Young songs and music from Bruce Springsteen. The DVD has no chapter stops, no bios, no trailer, and no featurette. In fact, "Philadelphia" has no extras at all. That's OK. This 125 minute classic movie is all you need. Maybe more than you can take.

The Oscar Winning Philadelphia with Hanks
March was Oscar month, and TCM (Turner Classic Movies) who showcase great Oscar movied showed ''Philadelphia'' with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington .

''Philadelphia'' is the powerful movie about a well educated and hardworking lawyer named Andy Beckette who contracts AIDS and is then illegally and prejudicely fired from his law firm when they find out he has AIDS.

The movie is nothing short of Excellent demonstrating not only the cold-blooded and hypocritical members of corporte society, but the indignities and prejudices that people living with AIDS have to go through.

The movie also brilliantly shows the courtroom tactics and lies that defendants and lawyers will use in order to win their case. The Defense (who represents the Law Firm who fired Andy Beckette) tries to make Andy Beckett's lifestyle
and often times varying performances at work
against him to try to bring down his reputation and his case.

From a law point of view, the movie is Excellent.
From a Film making point of view, the movie is Excellent.
From a societal message , point of view, ''Philadelphia'' is Excellent.

Jason Robards, plays Charles Wheeler, a sickening, prejudice man who resembles the most disgusting corporate boss there is: The corporate boss, who pretends to be friends with his coworkers or clients, only to stabbed them in the back later. He will do only anything to benefit himself.

At the beginning, Wheeler pretends to be Andy's friend, heck he even ask him for legal advice on a special antitrust case called ''Highlite vs. Sander Systems''. Andy Beckett's becomes fired, from the job, once they find out he has aids, but try to make it look he was fired for other reasons. The movie also greatly shows the prejudices, and misconception people have about aids.

However, Director Jonathan Demme does bring up some controversial areas for example Andy was a guy with many sexual partners, and so his diagnosis of the Aids Virus while dating Miguel Alvarez (Antonio Banderas) is not surprising
at all. In fact the defense uses Andy's personal history against him very well.

Denzel Washington plays Jospeh Miller, the lawyer Beckette eventually to try to bring his AIDS case to court.
Miller himself, at first, displays his own prejudices against people with AIDS. When Beckette, touches items in his office, his face becomes terrified, showing his fear and ignorance that perhaps he will catch AIDS from Beckette.

Another gritty scene that shows people ignorance and prejudice is the library scene in which Andy Beckette, is conducting researching for his AIDS case against the lawfirm that illegally fired him. The librarian in the library, first asks Andy Beckette, if he would be more comfortable in a study room, but then it becomes evident that the the ignorant librarian is telling not asking Andy Beckette to go to another room.
Andy being, a very proud man, refuses showing his true dignity even while having AIDS.

Joseph Miller (Washington) eventually agrees to become Andy's lawyer and this is where more powerful scenes are shown along with brilliant and well scripted performances.
''Justice is blind regardless of color, sex and religion.'' is the line that the Judge in the case uses to ensure the parties involved that this will be a fair case. ''Philadelphia'' gathered many Oscar Nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor leading to Denzel Washington winning for Best Actor.

''Philadelphia'' is not the only movie that deals with the issue of AIDS, but it is by far one of the best made.

I Highly Recommended this movie for both educational reasons (educate people about AIDS along with the ignorant misconception people have about it), and for Journalistic and Filmmaking reasons.

An Oscar worthy film that has to be seen.

There is a dvd available for ''Philadelphia'' but unfortunately no, special features are given but still a great film.