Philomena

Tegan I haven't seen it but will look out for it. Is it still current? If not, our local library has a good selection of films.

Saw it about 3 years ago I reckon. Again based on a true story. Tissues at the ready...

I have just read the original book by Martin Sixsmith.

It was written some time ago, but at the end it says that on behalf of Philomena he has spoken to the archivists of the Irish government and the Limerick Post office in search of John McInerney, Anthony's father. I wonder if he found him.

Went to see this the other night - and what a good film it was! Very tear-jerking and also very funny. I'm going to look out for the book.

Just seen this today, and found it very moving but also felt incredibly angry at the sanctimonious attitude and bare-faced lying of the nuns. I too am glad that I'm an atheist. I didn't like Alan Partridge, but this film shows what a fine actor Steve Coogan is.

grandimars, I felt the same. Impossible to put into words how awful these women were.
Steve Coogan showed himself to be a fine actor indeed. I was pleasantly surprised, because I didn't like Alan Partridge, either.

I am almost finished the book and don't think I could cope with the film I find it incredible that this happened not that long ago and well within my lifetime.

You'd be fine with the film because of the incredible balance of tragedy and humour; very difficult to pull off but this film has done so.

Loved loved the film but disappointed with the book. It was heavy on the ins and outs of American political life. I found it quite hard going to read. I was hoping to learn more about how Philomena coped with life after leaving the convent.

Yes, I was a bit disappointed in the book. It's very different isn't it? Not really about the mother but about the son and his problems forming relationships that lasted.

I haven't read the book. Agree with Teagan's assessment of the film.

Interesting item in the lates W.I. mag.
Picture of the real Philomena and mention of the fact that her 'lost' son bequeathed a substantial amount of money to the 'Convent'....... and still the Christian Nuns (hrmph) didn't reveal that he had been looking for his Mum and she for him!
Made me all over again!
She is very forgiving.

I saw the film last night and thought it was brilliant, particularly the portayal of the relationship between Philomena and Martin Sixsmith. I imagine that both of them could be exasperating in real life.
I never realised before the extent of the hypocrisy with the Catholic Church, and it mystifies me why so many people who have had personal experience of it, like Philomena, still have faith and the ability to forgive.

Oranges and Sunshine was on telly the other night as well; only noticed it when I was channel hopping. Wonder if it's on iplayer? Philomena was on R5 last week, but couldn't tell everyone when I realised as I had no internet at the time.

Oh, it is on iplayer, but must advise people that it doesn't have the humour and warmth of Philomena and will leave you a bit shell shocked [but still worth seeing if anyone wants to find out more about hypocricy].