Philomena (2013)

Based on a true story,  journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) picks up the story of Philomena (Judy Dench) who is searching for her Son who was taken away from her when she became pregnant and was forced to live in a Convent, the search reveals some surprises and shocking revelations about the Catholic church.

First things first, I had to get over a serious predjudice to watch this movie, I really cannot stand Judy Dench, no idea why, she just 'annoys' me, but a film starring Steve Coogan is always worth a view, and boy an I glad I did. A deeply moving drama, but one that is also very funny, not just Steve Coogan's dry wit but Judy Dench is a revelation as Philomena, a wonderfully warm, slightly naïve character ("I'd love to got to Mexico, I've heard it lovely....apart from the kidnappings").

A powerful beautifully told deeply moving tale of loss, love and huge betrayal from Stephen Frears ('High Fidelity', 'The Queen', we'll try forget 'Lay The Favourite').

*****