Philomena

Saw the British film Philomena at the cinema this morning. It's a fantastic film, sad, true and magnificently played by both main actors Judy Dench (Philomena) and Steve Coogan (Martin Sixsmith). The film is based on the true story that was published in book-form entitled 'The Lost Child of Philomena Lee', written by Martin Sixsmith. I always appreciate a true story and this was no exception.

Philomena gave birth to a son out of wedlock ( 'out of wedlock' sounds so old hat these days) - but back then in the 50s in strict Catholic Ireland giving birth outside of marriage was a shame for the family of the girl (the father of the illegitimate child had no worries !).
Philomena was sent to a convent, gave birth to  Anthony, signed away her rights to him and subsequently her son was adopted without her knowing who the parents were.

Philomena gets older but everyday she thinks of her son, his whereabouts and what he could be doing.
On Anthony's 50th birthday Philomena decides that it's time to tell her daughter about Anthony and then (to cut a long story short) gets Martin Sixsmith, the shamed Labour adviser and journalist to find her son.

They end up in America where Anthony was sold (adopted) to a rich American couple. Anthony's name had been changed to Michael Hess who had become a chief official in the Reagan administration.
He was also gay. He died of AIDs. Philomena was devastated when she learned that her son was dead.

There are some interesting points that can be highlighted from the story.

Philomena forgives the nun who kept the secret about her son's identity and whereabouts from her. The jounalist could never forgive the nun. Philomena comments that because of this he's crippled with anger and bitterness. Philomena forgave and through forgiving was released from a potential  bitterness that unforgiveness brings.  Forgiveness brings freedom.

The institution of the Church (in particularly the Roman Catholic Church) is seen in a negative light. The Church that is called to be a Light, is seen as darkness. Hiding the truth and financially profiting from the sale of babies and slave labour of young girls who had become pregnant. Unfortunately the Church often fails to live out the teaching and life of Jesus, whom she professes to follow.

I respect the character of Philomena and I can learn from her example. As already stated she readily forgives those that have trespassed against her. Forgiveness is tough, especially when you've been deeply hurt by someone. Philomena is open-hearted and continues to love and think highly of her son - even when she learns that he was a homosexual. This may not be such a big deal for most of us, but the fact that Philomena is an elderly Irish Catholic I think this may have been a large step for her.
She is 'uncomplicated' , she has a real faith, though sometimes 'deformed' by the education she'd received... actually keeping faith with such a deformed and ungodly education is admirable.

A very good film, filled with emotion and honesty.