2 Oscars for Frankly Dealing with AIDS & Heterosexism

Based upon too many true stories, Oscar-winning director, Jonathan Demme ("Silence of the Lambs"), made this film about AIDS after his chum, Juan Botas, became HIV+. Botas' struggle inspired Demme to view the physical battles with AIDS as a worthy documentary subject. Instead, Demme made
"Philadelphia."

Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), is a closeted gay HIV+ & rebutable young lawyer with a conservative Philadelphia law firm. Becket suspects being HIV+ is why his employment is terminated without explanation. He sues the law firm while suffering from the disease & withering away. It's not an easy film to watch; but, it is conscience raising.

Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) is the attorney who represents Beckett. Before he can do so, Miller must deal with his own heterosexism & homophobia. His character is terrifically signifcant for that reason.

The core of the film's amazing cast includes Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards, Antonio Banderas & Mary Steenburgen. Hanks won the Oscar for Best Actor. Bruce Springsteen's chilling song, "Streets of Philadelphia," won the Oscar for Best Song.

The film is among the 1st to deal with the subjects integral to being gay & HIV+ in the US, during the late 20th century. As such, "Philadelphia" should be credited for having a positive effect upon US society's education (from what is likely an all-heterosexual cast, as far as I know!, about topics that strongly correlate to being gay in America.

Revisiting "Philadephia," in the 21st century, after nearly 8 years of conservative political influences, reveals how far backwards US society has unfortunately regressed~

Philadelphia(1999,DVD)

I liked the way the story presented the young man with Aids, the attorney prejudice and leary at first, then succombing to the facts of the young man case, agreeing to represent him and finally becoming a friend. Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Anthony Banderas were excellent portraying their parts. Just a real good movie and a tear jerker. Friends recommended it.

Excellent Court Room Drama/Human Interest Story! Worth EVERY penny!

This morning while drinking my hot tea I came across this movie on ENCORE channel while switching the channels and have to admit I got hung up in it so much so I had to finish watching. Never mind I had many other things that needed tending to. After watching just about the whole movie, I have to admit from starting out with a happy mood in the morning it had taken a BIG downward spiral to a very depressive sad and tearful mood "the rest of the day". Cannot get this movie out of my mind. It's a really really beyond touching heartfelt good movie especially if one wants to learn a little more about the AIDS virus and what kind of role and affect it can take in ones life and the people around them. Very very sad! On a more upbeat note: this movie is truly a learning tool that we all must not close our eyes and ears to. We need to learn from this movie. Be sure to not make the same mistake twice. We need to learn to love ALL PEOPLE regardless their sexual preference, race, financial status etc... Why in the heck can't people just accept another for WHO they are and not WHAT they are by the color of their skin, who they love behind closed doors or by what they own, what they do for a living or whatever the circumstance may be. We as humans have NO RIGHT to JUDGE others. Only God can do that! But enough of my "preaching" :) I HIGHLY recommend this movie to any and every one who loves a good Law Drama, the actors Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington and who loves a good human interest story that doesn't just affect the one who has what this movie is about "AIDS" but everyone who's involved. GREAT story and issue(s). GREAT MOVIE period!
In Closing: I would never purchase this movie for myself one main reason being because my former husband died of AIDS in 2002. He was only 33 years old. At the end when Tom Hanks was dying in the hospital bed and gasping for air it nearly killed me to watch those scenes just thinking about what my beloved ex had to go through in this same situation. No one should have to suffer THAT bad regardless the choices he/she makes in ones life. Watching this movie one time was enough for me and all I could handle. But glad I did see it. For others, I truly recommend this wonderful AWARD WINNING Court Room Drama! Maybe not just one but many others will learn SOMETHING from it and use it in daily life to make a difference!

Eye opener

This is an excellent story, Tom Hanks and Danzel Washington are simply amazing.
The story is a really eye opener for all those gay people out there that feel discriminated against on the work place because of an deadly disease like HIV; AIDS.
Makes you wanna cry to see how the main character's life is ending so quickly.
A must see, I give it five stars!

Philadelphia - DVD

This is such a good movie Tom Hanks who plays the lawyer who contracted AIDS & his partner, Antonio Bandaris...how he went from being promoted in this huge law firm.. to being outcasted & fired due to his illness.. He went against the law firm who fired him in court..
This movie is excellent!!