Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops, their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.
Philadelphia is anchored by Tom Hanks's Oscar-winning performance (and a strong turn from Denzel Washington) that elevates what is otherwise a fairly conventional courtroom drama. The plot follows a relatively straightforward legal and moral trajectory without many surprises, and the filmmaking is competent but rarely adventurous visually. Novelty is moderate — the film was groundbreaking in bringing AIDS and gay discrimination to mainstream Hollywood in 1993, which was culturally significant, but its narrative structure borrows heavily from traditional disease-of-the-week and courtroom drama templates. The ending is emotionally resonant but expected given the trajectory. Acting is the clear standout, earning a well-above-average rating.