I came into contact with this movie in the English film and television appreciation class not long ago. When the name "Philadelphia Story" was displayed on the screen, my first reaction was that it was an inspirational struggle story similar to "Beijing Youth," but I never expected it to be a homosexual theme. I watched the entire film in the classroom with sixty or so classmates out of curiosity, and this was the first time I had a formal understanding of homosexuality. The film is very shocking, and I vaguely feel that some backward ideas in the depths of my brain are slowly being knocked, torn, and broken... "The Philadelphia Story" is directed by Jonathan Demme, Tom Hanks, and Denzel.
The drama, starring Washington, was released in the United States on December 23, 1993. The film tells the story of Andrew being fired by his boss for contracting AIDS, and later he fought for the rights of AIDS patients with the help of lawyer Joe. In 1994, Tom Hanks won the Silver Bear Award for Best Actor at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival and the Best Actor at the 66th Academy Awards for this film. Hollywood, both morally and commercially, will sooner or later reflect the important social issues of this era. With The Philadelphia Story, the ice broke. Its educational significance is not only self-evident for the United States at that time but also has important guiding significance for the improvement of the backward sexual concept and the unfair treatment of AIDS patients still prevailing in many countries in the world. "The Philadelphia Story" tells us more than a simple AIDS story; it confronts homosexuality.
Even in a society that claims to be democratic, open, and free like the United States, homosexuality is still a behavior that is despised by traditional mainstream morality. In the film, Andrew contracts AIDS because of his homosexuality, so he was regarded as a morally corrupt social waste by his boss and was discriminated against and fired. So he resorted to the law in order to protect his own interests, and the film started from this. The film is based on a true story and takes place in New York City. And why was the filming location changed to Philadelphia and the name "Philadelphia" ("philadelphia")? in order to convey the legal meaning that Philadelphia symbolizes, in pursuit of fairness and justice. This serious anti-discrimination film, in addition to speaking up for the gay community and AIDS patients, also aims to awaken the original intentions of some legal practitioners and make them think about why they chose the law in the first place. Philadelphia, a historic city in the United States, is the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the city where the earliest constitution was promulgated in the United States. It is a city that should have a more equal and free spirit than any other place in the United States. "Are you a good lawyer, Andrew?" "In many ways, sometimes, occasionally, you're a part of the facilitation of fairness, and it's an exhilarating feeling." There is no absolute fairness in this world, but relative fairness can always be pursued. It's always heartening when you can also contribute to this fairness.
After Andrew was fired because of AIDS, he was able to stand up recklessly and use the law to protect the rights of himself and the AIDS patient group while also maintaining the dignity of a legal person. When the outside world is talking about it and his body is getting thinner and thinner, what supports him is his belief in the law and his unremitting pursuit of freedom and equality. At this time, he is not for himself, but for a group. The spirit of freedom and equality conveyed by the U.S. Constitution coincides with the themes of the film "Philadelphia Story" to eradicate discrimination against sexual orientation and AIDS patients. This is an important reason for choosing Philadelphia as the filming location. When Andrew's search for a lawyer was turned down nine times, he found Joe, a black lawyer. At first, Joe rejected him because he despised homosexuality. Later, through his wife and doctors, he learned that many people around him were gay, and only then did he realize that sexual orientation is innate.
Joe is just scared, horrified, and ostracized because he never knew about homosexuality and AIDS. In fact, many of us are disrespectful because we do not understand. Once, I ran into Andrew in the library, and the people next to him cast a discriminatory look at him. Joe got up angrily and finally decided to help him. When a strong sense of resistance and elite fighting ability are combined, great victories are often produced. Andrew went to court with Joe, a black lawyer, to fight for the rights and dignity of AIDS patients and gay people. The existence of black lawyers presumably also conveys friendship across skin color. There is no difference in sexual orientation and skin color. They are all innate traits, and, of course, they are not discriminated against because of their differences. In their search for information, they found cases of homosexuality. The federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against disabled people as long as they can hold a job. Although the law did not mention AIDS, subsequent resolutions stipulated that AIDS was also a disability. Because the disease not only refers to physical limitations but is also discriminated against by people in society, it is regarded as a death sentence in society. This is discrimination. The perception of them is not due to the individual, but to the category he belongs to. This provided them with an important basis, and in court, the defendant tried every means to slander, object, and make excuses. Joe exploded, berating them angrily: "Are you gay... everyone in this court is thinking about sexual orientation, sexual choice, whatever. Who's doing it with whom and how they look at Ann Drew thinks so. Watching Miss Verna and even in court (judge), you think so. They are suspicious. They looked at me and thought, "So, let's be honest!" Because this case isn't just about AIDS, is it? Let us reveal its true essence! It was everyone's hatred and fear of homosexuality, and that hatred and fear evolved into firing a gay man, my client Andrew. "Joe is right; this case is all about homosexuality. And did they do anything wrong? No They're not guilty, they're not innocent, and whoever comes into the world is trying to survive. I also love the world and my own life. Unprotected gay men have sex with them, making them infected with AIDS. Isn’t it possible for them to contract STDs through inappropriate heterosexual sex? Why do they discriminate against them? Andrew loves life very much, and it can be seen in his hard work and filial piety to his parents.
When Andrew's life is approaching, he is immersed in the opera, and his feelings change with the ups and downs of the music. Joe is deeply shocked. He feels the beauty of love and life. This feeling is so strong. After returning home, even though his wife and daughter were asleep, he couldn't help hugging them and thanking them for life. Although not recognized by the outside world, it is gratifying that Andrew's parents, friends, and even ex-wife are very open-minded. Before the trial, Andrew told them that there would be a lot of harsh words about his private life during the interrogation. I hope everyone will not pay attention. His parents, brothers, and even his ex-wife have given the greatest understanding and support. The father proudly said, "Andrew, you with McGau (partner), you have the courage to handle this together." No matter what others say, it doesn't change that we are proud of you. The mother held back her tears: "I didn't raise my children to sit in the back of the bus." This sentence originally refers to the black Americans sitting in the back of the bus because of the discrimination of white people. Here, it means that her son should not be discriminated against and treated unfairly because of his sexual orientation. Despite the difficulties, in the end, the lawsuit was won! Then, Andrew's life ended. Even if he finally won the lawsuit, it did not mean that he was recognized by society, and prejudice still existed. The film was in such a painful state and ended in a helpless atmosphere. But what is fortunate and encouraging is that it dares to raise this issue to society boldly, which marks that society is moving forward. A thousand lawyers tied to the bottom of the sea is a better start." For a long time, homosexuality has always been a sensitive topic in our lives and even all forms of artistic expression due to its peculiarity. However, most people are also curious and want to explore the "secrets" of this special group of people. This contradiction has led to more and more homosexual themes being put on books and screens.
Compared with "Philadelphia Story", "Brokeback Mountain" and "Lan Yu" are more well-known in China. The "Philadelphia Story" focuses on the reflection of all social classes on homosexuality. The other two films directly show the life of homosexuality. In terms of the depth of the theme, it seems that the "Philadelphia Story" is more educational. Some people say that this film is too old. Why do you still watch it? The value never fades because of the age, but it will be hailed as a classic, timeless, more valuable and powerful. As long as there is still discrimination against homosexuals and AIDS patients in the world, this movie has its own existence and value. As time passes, our perspectives on homosexuality will evolve and change. But what will never change is that the world is equal, regardless of race, color, nationality, wealth, gender, and even sexual orientation. The film ends with a song: Philadelphia, a city full of friendship, is my home. Don't turn your back on me. I don't want to be lonely. Love is always there. Someone tell me, call my name, tell me I'm not wrong, tell me I don't have to have shame about love. Sometimes I feel love is everything, and when I see the light I know I'll be okay.
May heaven be merciful and all go well for Andrew! live. In terms of the depth of the theme, it seems that the "Philadelphia Story" is more educational. Some people say this movie is too old. Why do you still watch it? The value of the film never fades because of its age; it will be hailed as a classic, timeless, more valuable and powerful. As long as there is still discrimination against homosexuals and AIDS patients in the world, this film has a reason and value for its existence. Times are moving forward, and our views on homosexuality are constantly changing. But what will never change is this: the world is equal, regardless of race, color, nationality, wealth, gender, or even sexual orientation. The film ends with a song: Philadelphia, a city full of friendship, is my home. Don't turn your back on me. I don't want to be lonely. Love is always there. Someone tell me, call my name, tell me I'm not wrong, tell me not to be ashamed of love. Sometimes I feel like love is everything, and when I see the light, I know I'll be fine. May there be no discrimination in heaven, Andrew! live. In terms of the depth of the theme, it seems that the "Philadelphia Story" is more educational. Some people say this movie is too old. Why do you still watch it? The value of the film never fades because of its age; it will be hailed as a classic, timeless, more valuable and powerful.
As long as there is still discrimination against homosexuals and AIDS patients in the world, this film has a reason and value for its existence. Times are moving forward, and our views on homosexuality are constantly changing. But what will never change is this: the world is equal, regardless of race, color, nationality, wealth, gender, or even sexual orientation. The film ends with a song: Philadelphia, a city full of friendship, is my home. Don't turn your back on me. I don't want to be lonely. Love is always there. Someone tell me, call my name, tell me I'm not wrong, tell me not to be ashamed of love. Sometimes I feel like love is everything, and when I see the light, I know I'll be fine. May there be no discrimination in heaven, Andrew!
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