Real-life Philomena says film is not 'anti-Catholic'

[rug]

A New York Post review described the film as '90 minutes of organised hate'

Jess Denham
Thursday 05 December 2013

The real-life inspiration behind hit movie Philomena has defended Stephen Frears’ film after a New York Post reviewer labelled it “anti-Catholic”.

Film critic Kyle Smith wrote that the sole purpose of the film was to "simultaneously attack Catholics and Republicans", arguing that only audiences who enjoy watching “90 minutes of organised hate” should bother buying tickets.

"A film that is half as harsh on Judaism or Islam, of course, wouldn’t be made in the first place but would be universally reviled if it were," Smith wrote, describing Philomena as "a sugary slice of arsenic cake".

The film, based on the true story of Philomena Lee’s search for the illegitimate son she put up for adoption in 1950s Catholic Ireland, stars Steve Coogan and Dame Judi Dench.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/reallife-philomena-says-film-is-not-anticatholic-8985942.html

http://nypost.com/2013/11/21/philomena-another-hateful-and-boring-attack-on-catholics/

[IrishAyes]

1. Can't wait to see it, even if it has to be via Netflix.

We do have one old seasonal theatre in town with the traditional big screen, but I seriously doubt they'll show this movie. I KNOW they'll never show 'Twelve Years A Slave". Or anything about Mandela.

At the UMC around the corner from my house, they're decorating with poinsettias - if you bring one in, you can honor the person of your choice and the list will be read aloud during service. Imp that I am, my first thought was to buy 2 and name them in honor of Obama and Mandela. Except I know that wouldn't make the cut! They might send me out into the cold with a couple potted plants for a crown. Then I thought, well, I'll sneak at least one in and name it in honor of Madiba. But it would be my luck that at least one person in attendance would know who that meant and raise unholy hell. Nice thought though. Maybe I'm losing my touch for agitation, or the current bucket might've been exhausted at the town council meeting Thursday night.

Don't worry; it will fill up again all too soon to overflowing. I've always thought my dying words would be:

"AND ANOTHER THING!!!"

[tblue]

2. Saw it last night. OUTSTANDING!!!

I have to confess I did not expect much. But it blew me away. I won't discuss much so as not to spoil it for anybody, but I highly recommend everybody go see it. Bring kleenex!

[rug]

3. Thanks for the review.

The trailer was promising but you never know. On my list.