Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith (The Lost Child of Philomena Lee), the movie Philomena focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee, played by Judi Dench. Philomena got pregnant at a young age, which was something her Irish-Catholic community didn’t have the highest opinion of.

Her son was placed for adoption in the United States, and she had been forced to sign a contract that wouldn’t allow for any sort of inquiry into her son’s whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Philomena meets Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son.

The movie was emotional and at times heartbreaking. But Judi Dench did a fantastic job portraying the kind and courageous Philomena. Well done, Hollywood. Thank you for acknowledging one birth mother’s story from decades ago. Philomena gets our stamp of approval.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions about the movie.