10 Films That Brilliantly Nailed Topical Issues

First things first: The deliberate and systemic abuse and mistreatment of persons involved in the Catholic church should never be in anyway condoned, and thankfully this film never comes close to doing that. But the film's ability to address some of the truly awful things administered by the Church, while still empathising with those who wish to be 'good Catholics' is a real treat.

Judy Dench's devout catholic Philomena Lee is paired up with Steve Coogan's investigative journalist and proud atheist Martin Sixsmith, who agrees to help track down her 'illegitimate' son, who was given up for adoption at the behest of the Church. The more that Sixsmith digs into the case the more shocking evidence he uncovers, with revelations that Philomena's son tried to make contact his mother, information the Church deliberately withheld.

In the film's most powerful scene, Sixsmith unleashes a verbal tirade against the nuns responsible for Philomena's pain, letting his and the viewers' anger out. Philomena chooses this one time to speak up, noting that it is Sixsmith who is acting poorly and that berating those responsible will achieve nothing.

It is a brilliant conclusion to Philomena and Sixsmith's travels together, two contrasting souls who manage to learn from each other. Coogan's portrayal of the intellectual arrogance present in so many atheists is brilliantly executed, while Dench is magnificent in showing that her more 'simplistic' Catholic mindset is actually not always a bad thing.