This film contains two of the best performances of all-time.
Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) believes that he was fired from his high powered corporate law firm in Philadelphia so he asks personal injury attorney, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) to defend him. Joe is reluctant at first, fearful that AIDs is contagious and that homosexuality is disgusting. But he does change his mind after running into Andrew at a law library.
This begins one of the great courtroom dramas ever, with both sides presenting great cases as Andrew's health rapidly deteriorates. The firm tries to say that Andrew was fired for incompetence (losing an important suit filing at the eleventh hour) while he feels otherwise. Also, how the brief disappear off both his desk and computer, that's just weird. First, they need to prove that the partners knew Andrew had AIDs as he kept his personal life personal and then prove that that is why he was fired. This film, unlike most, actually shows part of how the jury came to their opinion, which is great. And the jury comes back with a verdict in favor of Andrew, awarding him tons of money in punitive damages, though whatever happiness Andrew has is short-lived as his death is nigh.
While the screenplay is incredibly tight, with intricate legal dialogue and Denzel's catchphrase: Explain it to me like I'm a six-year-old. The acting is also impeccable, Hanks won an Oscar and Washington should have at least been nominated. Everyone else is also pitch-perfect in their smaller roles. This is a film to be watched and cherished. Grade: A
Side Notes:
-Pay attention for cameos or smaller roles from Anna Deavere Smith, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Bradley Whitford, Ann Dowd and Joanne Woodward.
-I do wonder how Andrew got AIDs from a quick hook-up in a gay movie theater but didn't give it to his devoted, long-term partner, Miguel (Antonio Banderas).
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