This is a very good thoughtful movie. It makes you think about what bad things can be done in the name of good. It also make you think about what good things can happen after a bad deed is done. The movie was well done from the Actors' part and the writing is also outstanding.

An excellent and interesting film. Has suspense, superb acting as usual from Judi Dench and her co-actor, the author of the screenplay, Steve Coogan. The Church in Ireland in the 50's and later is taken to task which seems very well deserved. Leaves you feeling uplifted by the force of Dame Judi's acting and personaluty. Very enjoyable, and the audience at the Paris sat rapt throughou.t

Philomena is the gut wrenching story of an Irish woman forced to give her child up for adoption, and with no warning he is sent to America and never gets the opportunity to say goodbye. It doesn't stop her from her search, nothing does, not even the lies told to her by the Sisters. She is strong, determined, and know she can't give up, still wondering every day if he thought of her. She remembers everything about him. Beautiful story of lost love, determination and faith. Martin is beautifully played by Stephan Coogan, finding a reason for justice, being the voice she could not. The scene with Sr. Hildegard was fantastic. Though it may not have happened in that way for Philomena, I believe it happened in the hearts of every mother or adopted child turned away by the Sisters. Go see and find out the power of one, that a difference can be made. Thank you Philomena Lee.

Grown up movies written with intelligence, humor and depth don't come along very often. I think Judy Dench is at her best here, which is saying a lot considering her impressive career. Steve Coogan hold up his side of the equation very well. The story is wonderful, and even in it's heartbreaking moments it rings true. It never ventures over the line into melodrama. These feel like real people with real lives. We all can relate to some event of loss and regret in our lives. We all hope to reconcile our actions in the end. Beautifully shot film. Stunning acting. Great character development. Not for children. Young adults will probably be bored. No guns or car crashes or nudity or loud music or violence. Go see it in the theater while you can.

And Coogan is the perfect "straight man." Saw this at the Toronto Film Festival in September, and it was my favorite of the 9 films I saw. Hard to believe the same actress who plays the steely-eyed "M" in the James Bond films can be so perfect as the sometimes dotty, sometimes surprisingly insightful, always affecting Philomena. I laughed...I cried...and I want to see it again as soon as it screens locally.