Finally, in my opinion one of the best films of last year alongside Rush (2013), Jagten (2012) and Prisoners (2013), all of which should have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, but unfortunately that's an argument not even worth making. The film is based on an anger inducing true story of a young Irish woman whose illegitimate child was sold by a group of nuns, whose convent she was residing. Forever, wondering what ever became of her seized son, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) and English journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) embark on a journey of discovery, which reveals more than either ever expected or hoped. Billed as a Comedy-Drama, due to the inclusion of the Alan Partridge star, this film would be better described as an often light hearted drama. Often is definitely the key word there, for whilst there are a few instances where one would raise a smile or release a giggle, there are scenes which would make even the calmest individual's blood boil. Comedic inclusions totally aside, the greatest representation this BAFTA winner can highlight is the good natured maternal instincts of Irish females, Brenda Fricker of My Left Foot (1989) often signifies this role. Also, Philomena displays Ireland as a nation, which was once rooted in Catholicism and it's overbearing constraints, and how it is moving away from that dominance to a state of covert, ingrained adherence. Which of these movies is your favourite representation of Irishness? Share your picks below in the comments thread.
