Philomena: A Film Analysis

Philomena: A Film that Questions What You Believe In and Yet Answers Why You Do Among the many good films of 2013, this one has to be on my top 5 list. Directed with passion by Stephen Frears, Philomena is a film that questions your beliefs regardless of which religious sect you belong to. As a little exposition, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench), way back 1952, was impregnated out of wedlock and was therefore sent forcibly to a convent where she gave birth to a son she named Anthony. She and other young women of similar situation were only allowed to see their children once a week. This and other practices including oppression and prejudice among the nuns are presented well in the film in a way that could condemn the Catholic Church. These are presented in a tone that is sarcastic and ironic, with a mood that is mild and forgiving.
Visually, the setting and production design will bring you back to 1950s Ireland, which is highly distinct with the present time. The cinematography is nothing too special; it was shot in polished angles, and with dim lighting to establish the gloomy environment the film is trying to convey. In my opinion, this is the style used to make it closer to reality so it will capture the emotions of people.
As the plot develops to the rising action, you start rethinking about "morality" drawn by the strict administration of the nuns. The irony will later be exemplified when you see babies sold to Americans without the consent of the mothers; one of these babies was Anthony. And while he is being sent away, Philomena was watching from afar, not knowing that it is the last time she is going to see her child. The cinematography at this point was brilliant where the angle is trying to show the innocence of Anthony, and the agony of Philomena through an over-the-shoulder shot. Fifty years later, with the help of Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), the search for the missing son will begin. Martin, who was rebuilding his career in writing, initially