Philadelphia Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer with AIDS gets fired and sues, teaching a homophobic lawyer to be less of a jerk, all while listening to opera.

🍿 Philadelphia: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Andrew Beckett

Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a rising star at a prestigious Philadelphia law firm. He’s known for his hard work and dedication. However, Andrew is secretly gay and HIV-positive, conditions he hides from his colleagues, fearing discrimination.

Exposure and Dismissal

A partner at the firm notices a lesion on Andrew’s forehead, a sign of Kaposi’s sarcoma, an AIDS-defining condition. Shortly after, Andrew is fired, ostensibly for losing an important document. Andrew believes he was deliberately sabotaged and fired because of his health and sexual orientation.

Seeking Justice

Andrew decides to sue the firm for wrongful dismissal. He seeks legal representation, but many attorneys are reluctant to take his case, fearing contagion or sharing homophobic prejudices. He is finally approached by Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a Black lawyer who is initially homophobic but sympathizes with Andrew after realizing he also faces discrimination.

The Trial

The film focuses on the trial, where Andrew and Joe face the firm’s lawyers, led by Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen). The defense attempts to discredit Andrew and argue that he was fired for incompetence, not discrimination. As the trial progresses, Joe overcomes his prejudice and forms a bond with Andrew.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks): A talented lawyer who is wrongfully fired after his firm discovers he has AIDS, leading him to fight for justice.
• Joe Miller (Denzel Washington): A homophobic personal injury lawyer who reluctantly takes Andrew’s case and gradually overcomes his prejudices.
• Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards): The head partner of the law firm who orchestrates Andrew’s firing and vehemently defends the firm against the discrimination lawsuit.
• Miguel Alvarez (Antonio Banderas): Andrew’s loving partner who provides emotional support and care throughout his illness and legal battle.
• Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen): The lawyer representing the law firm, who is ruthless in her defense and uses insensitive tactics during the trial.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andrew Beckett: “What do you call a thousand lawyers chained together at the bottom of the ocean? A good start.” – Andrew tells this joke, showcasing his dark humor and cynicism about his profession.
• Joe Miller: “I’m scared to death of AIDS. I’m scared to death of homosexuals.” – Joe Miller admits his deep-seated homophobia and fear of AIDS early in the film, highlighting his initial prejudices.
• Andrew Beckett: “No, what I am is a lawyer. And I choose to fight.” – Andrew declares his determination to fight for his rights and dignity, emphasizing his identity as a lawyer despite his illness.
• Andrew Beckett: “I love this. The music, the passion… that’s the truth. Isn’t it?” – Said during the opera scene, expressing his deep connection to art and its ability to convey profound truths.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $77,446,440
• Worldwide Gross: $206,678,440

💥 Philadelphia Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Philadelphia for the first time and just being completely blown away. Tom Hanks’ performance is heart-wrenching, and the way Denzel Washington’s character evolves is so powerful. The opera scene? Forget about it – instant tears! It really made me think about prejudice and how important it is to stand up for what’s right. This movie stays with you long after the credits roll. The final moments with the home movies just completely shattered me. A must-see, even if it’s a tough watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal dramas”
  • “Those interested in films about social issues”
  • “Viewers who appreciate powerful acting performances”
  • “People looking for thought-provoking stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of AIDS and homophobia”
  • “Discussion of sexuality”
  • “Emotional scenes”
  • “Depiction of illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Philadelphia is a landmark film, tackling a difficult subject with grace and intelligence. Hanks delivers a career-defining performance, matched by Washington’s nuanced portrayal of a man confronting his own prejudices.
• The New York Times: “Demme’s Philadelphia, while heavy handed at times, is a vital piece of cinema history. It opened the door for a more frank dialogue around AIDS and homophobia. Hanks’ performance is both powerful and deeply moving.
• Rolling Stone: “Philadelphia hits hard emotionally. The performances from the two leads are tremendous, and the soundtrack is simply iconic.

Audience Reactions

Tom Hanks’ performance was absolutely incredible and so emotionally charged.: The powerful performances of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington made this a must-see movie.

The opera scene was incredibly moving and really highlighted the beauty and fragility of life.: The film’s sensitive handling of the AIDS crisis and homophobia resonated deeply with viewers.

Overall Consensus: Philadelphia is widely regarded as a groundbreaking film that brought mainstream attention to the AIDS crisis and homophobia, featuring standout performances and a powerful message.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1994
2. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Denzel Washington initially hesitated to take on the role of Joe Miller, due to his own discomfort and prejudices surrounding homosexuality and AIDS at the time.”
• “To accurately portray the physical deterioration caused by AIDS, Tom Hanks lost a significant amount of weight during filming and altered his diet to reflect the illness’s effects.”
• “The opera scene featuring Maria Callas singing ‘La Mamma Morta’ was Jonathan Demme’s way of exploring the depths of human emotion and connecting it to Andrew Beckett’s struggle; he felt the aria perfectly captured Beckett’s pain and resilience.”

🖥️ How to Watch Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is widely available to rent or purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental and purchase options. You may also find it on DVD or Blu-ray at major retailers. Availability may vary by region, so confirm before attempting to stream or purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Philadelphia, you might like these similar films:

• Dallas Buyers Club (2013): Deals with the AIDS epidemic and a protagonist fighting for access to treatment and against societal prejudice.
• Erin Brockovich (2000): Features a legal battle against a corporation causing harm to individuals, highlighting the fight for justice and accountability.
• The Normal Heart (2014): Chronicles the rise of the AIDS crisis in New York City and the activism it spurred, offering a more intimate look at the gay community during that era.
• Milk (2008): Focuses on the story of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist fighting for equality and acceptance in a hostile political climate.

🛒 Philadelphia Related Products

• Philadelphia (Limited Edition Blu-Ray): This collector’s edition features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and a booklet with essays on the film’s impact.
• Philadelphia Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the iconic Philadelphia movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying your love for this classic film.
• The Making of Philadelphia: How a Hollywood Film Changed the Way We See AIDS: A Kindle Edition delving deep into the history and impact of the film. Explore the true stories, controversies, and cultural significance behind its making.
• Philadelphia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the emotional highs and lows of the film with this digital download of the original soundtrack, featuring iconic songs by Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and Maria Callas.

🎧 Soundtrack

Philadelphia features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Streets of Philadelphia” – performed by Bruce Springsteen
• “Philadelphia” – performed by Neil Young
• “La Mamma Morta (from Andrea Chenier)” – performed by Maria Callas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tom Hanks winning an Oscar for “Philadelphia” | 66th Oscars (1994)

Watch Tom Hanks’ emotional acceptance speech as he wins the Oscar for Best Actor for his powerful performance in ‘Philadelphia.’ His words are a testament to the film’s impact and the importance of recognizing and fighting against prejudice.

Denzel Washington’s EVIL Prank On Tom Hanks While Filming Philadelphia #philadelphia

Curious about what happens when Denzel Washington decides to pull a prank on Tom Hanks on the set of ‘Philadelphia’? This hilarious video reveals the story behind their playful antics, giving you a glimpse into the fun and camaraderie during the film’s production.

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