Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is a promising with a glittering career ahead of him t a very prestigious law firm. Suddenly he finds himself sacked from his job for supposedly being incompetent and not having what it takes. He knows that the real reason is because he is a homosexual suffering from AIDS. Aggrieved at the injustice he hires Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a personal injury lawyer, to help him defend his dignity and his professional reputation. At first Miller is reluctant to take on the case but when he reflects on the racial prejudices he has incurred, he agrees to take it on and in doing so, challenges his own prejudices against AIDS and homosexuality. As he fights for the reputation of miller, he is also fighting against the ignorance and prejudices of society.

The main character of the film is Andrew Beckett, played by Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan), a successful lawyer who is being guided by his bosses at the law firm until they find out he is a Homosexual with AIDS. In the movie we see Beckett's health suffer as the effects of AIDS ravish his body. Too try and make his portrayal as realistic as possible, Hanks lost 26 pounds in weight during the duration of the filming, leaving him painfully thin by the end of it. Interestingly the role of Andrew Beckett was offered to other stars including Michael Keaton and Andy Garcia, fortunately for us Hanks won it. The character of Joe Miller, Beckett's lawyer' is played by Denzel Washington (Remember the Titans). As always with Washington, he provides a first class performance as Miller, a lawyer who for the first time has to deal with his own prejudices and ignorance's. A very good scene is where Andrew Beckett goes into Miller's office and while explaining that he has AIDS starts touching things around the room. You can see the fear on Millers face that he may now get infected. Fortunately we see him visit his doctor who dispels all the myths on how you can become infected. Originally this role was to be given to a comedy actor such as Bill Murray. Fortunately Washington expressed an interest in the role, and the director jumped at the chance of working with him. The supporting cast is littered with such acting greats as Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen and Antonio Banderas. The entire supporting cast put in first class performances, which really do help to make this film a very emotional journey.

Tom Hanks .... Andrew Beckett
Denzel Washington .... Joe Miller
Joanne Woodward .... Sarah Beckett
Jason Robards .... Charles Wheeler
Mary Steenburgen .... Belinda Conine
Antonio Banderas .... Miguel Alvarez
Roberta Maxwell .... Judge Tate
Karen Finley .... Dr. Gillman
Robert Ridgely .... Walter Kenton

Philadelphia ranks as one of my top ten films of all time, not only because of the excellent performances and great sound track, but it deals with a very real subject in a very real manner. It dispels so many myths associated with AIDS and homosexuality that I honestly believe that the film should feature in the curriculum for Social Studies in our schools. For those of you who have never seen Philadelphia, I strongly recommend it to you, but be prepared for a very emotional journey. And to those who have seen this film but do not own a copy, WHY NOT? It is only £5.97 on Amazon which is a very cheap price for such a great film.