Philomena

Like many films the knowledge that Philomena is based on a true story makes the experience for the viewer all the more heart-rending. 

Judi Dench plays a working class woman searching for her son after being forced to give him up for adoption when he was 3 years old.  Unwanted by her father, Philomena Lee ends up being forced to live in the Magdalena Laundries after becoming pregnant, unwed.

She finally tells the story of her need to find out what happened to her son, on the day that would have been his 50th birthday and this is where the bitter and world weary journalist, Martin Sixsmith picks up her story.

With flashbacks to Philomena living as a teenager in the Convent, the film mainly concentrates on the  journey of ex spin doctor Sixsmith and Philomena,  who travel to the USA, where many of the adopted children had ended up, after being bought by Americans.

This is a moving and poignant look at how a decision, made when young, without the help and support of anyone and without the aid of hindsight, can overshadow, not just one life but in this case the lives of two people  for so long.

This film shows the amazing power of forgiveness in a gripping and often funny way that sticks to the main tragedy and doesn't get sidetracked by peripheral stories.Take the tissues!