Philadelphia is a 1993 American legal drama film directed by Jonathan Demme, featuring a powerful performance by Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired from his prestigious law firm after his employer discovers he has AIDS and is gay. Denzel Washington co-stars as Joe Miller, a personal injury attorney who reluctantly takes on Andrew's case against the firm. The screenplay was written by Ron Nyswaner and the film is notable for its exploration of themes related to HIV/AIDS, homophobia, and discrimination.
The plot centers around Andrew Beckett, who conceals his illness and sexual orientation while working at a top law firm in Philadelphia. After a partner at the firm notices a lesion on Andrew's forehead—indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma—he is dismissed from his position under the pretext of incompetence. Determined to fight back, Andrew seeks legal representation from Joe Miller, who initially harbors prejudices against homosexuals and those with AIDS. However, as the case unfolds, Joe's perspective shifts as he witnesses the injustices faced by Andrew.
The film premiered on December 14, 1993, at a benefit for AIDS Project Los Angeles and was released in theaters on December 22, 1993. It became a significant cultural touchstone for its frank portrayal of AIDS during a time when the disease was often stigmatized and misunderstood. Philadelphia grossed over $206 million worldwide against a budget of $26 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year.
Critically acclaimed, Philadelphia earned several awards and nominations, including two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Hanks and Best Original Song for Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia." The film was praised for its emotional depth and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Hanks's portrayal of Andrew Beckett as he navigates the challenges posed by his illness and discrimination.
Overall, Philadelphia stands out as an important film that not only addresses significant social issues but also showcases the transformative power of empathy and understanding in overcoming prejudice.