Philadelphia (1993) ★★★★ Quote:
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Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.
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This is a fairly standard courtroom drama elevated by brilliant performances by the two main leads (Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington) and the important subject matter. I don't think it's as groundbreaking as To Kill a Mockingbird but, from memory, it opened the doors for a more honest public conversation about HIV and AIDS in the UK. (From the comments in the publicity material, the was true for the US as well.)
The whole film is extremely well handled by Jonathan Demme, with typically engaging conversations due to the extreme close-ups and the actors looking directly into the camera and at the viewer, and the fine supporting cast which is notable for the high number of gay men, is as notable as the Oscar-nominated and Oscar-winning performances from the leads.
Bruce Springsteen's theme song – Streets of Philadelphia – is also one of the most thought-provoking and lyrically engaging songs recorded for any film, but praise must go to Neil Young for his eulogy-like song which plays over the home movies at the end.