Tom Hanks Gets Sick (But Not Really Sick, Like, Movie Sick): When Did "Philadelphia" Hit the Big Screen?
Ah, "Philadelphia," the film that brought tissues to a generation and made us all yell at the screen for Tom Hanks to just lawyer his way out of this whole mess. But when did this legal drama, filled with courtroom tension and Denzel Washington's side-eye that could curdle milk, actually come out? Let's dust off our legal pads (or grab some popcorn, whichever is closer) and get to the bottom of it.
Hold on to Your Law Degree (It's About to Get Trippy)
You might be surprised to learn that "Philadelphia" wasn't exactly a product of the roaring 90s. While the suits may have been power-shoulder heavy and the fax machines were working overtime, the year was actually... 1993! That's right, folks, this AIDS discrimination drama predates the Spice Girls and "Macarena" by a good two years. So, the next time you think 90s movies were all about grunge and slap bracelets, remember there were also some hard-hitting stories brewing beneath the surface.
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
Tom Hanks with AIDS? In THIS Economy? The Public Wasn't Sure.
Believe it or not, "Philadelphia" was a bit of a trailblazer. It was one of the first major Hollywood films to tackle the issue of AIDS head-on, and let's just say the public wasn't exactly sure what to think. There was a lot of fear and misinformation surrounding the disease at the time, and some folks weren't exactly chomping at the bit to see a movie about it. But "Philadelphia" persevered, becoming a critical and commercial success, and even snagging Tom Hanks his second Best Actor Oscar (because, let's face it, the man can act!).
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
What Year Was The Movie Philadelphia Made |
So You Wanna Be a Movie Buff?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Here's your cheat sheet to impressing all your friends with your newfound knowledge of "Philadelphia":
- Genre: Legal drama (with a healthy dose of social commentary)
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington (seriously, an iconic duo)
- Director: Jonathan Demme (the guy who also brought us "Silence of the Lambs," because apparently he likes to keep us on the edge of our seats)
- Year Released: 1993 (don't forget this one!)
Bonus Fun Fact: The movie was originally titled "At Risk," but thankfully, they changed it before it ended up in the bargain bin next to "Volcano" and "Air Force One."
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
"Okay, I Know When It Came Out, But How Do I...?"
Here are some burning questions you might have, answered in lightning speed:
- How to watch "Philadelphia?" There are a variety of streaming services where you can rent or buy the movie. Just don't blame us if you end up needing a box of tissues.
- How to avoid a lawsuit like Tom Hanks' character? Don't discriminate! Treat everyone with respect, no matter their health status.
- How to learn more about AIDS? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a wealth of information on their website.
- How to appreciate a good legal drama? Grab some popcorn, turn off your phone, and get ready to be invested in the outcome.
- How to impress your friends with your movie knowledge? Casually drop the fact that "Philadelphia" came out in 1993 and watch them scramble to Google it. (We won't tell them we told you this trick.)