On P List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Philadelphia (1993)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
11/02, 12/05
12/05:
Philadelphia is overrated that's simplistic in many ways.
But Bruce Springsteen's song Streets of Philadelphia is fantastic, being the only good part of the film.
It went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Song and four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year. The lyrics go like this:
"I was bruised and battered,
I couldn't tell what I felt.
I was unrecognizable to myself.
Saw my reflection in a window and didn't know my own face.
Oh brother are you gonna leave me wastin' away
On the streets of Philadelphia."
Unfortunately, the rest of Philadelphia isn't as good. It's sugary and sentimental, breaking no ground. Rather, the
show is heavily reliant on "movie magic." Hence, I must point out
Longtime Companion for getting everything right.
Tom Hanks' acting is phony, and he shouldn't have won the Oscar. Denzel Washington is merely okay, but his courtroom speech
leaves me confused. On the other hand, I have to say Antonio Banderas did a good job. He seems to have a lot of experience
in these matters.
All in all, the only good aspect out of Philadelphia is Bruce Springsteen's song.