Is "Philadelphia" Old Enough to Rent a Car, But Not Old Enough to Drink? A Deep Dive (Kind Of)
Ah, "Philadelphia," the film that brought tissues to a generation's eyes and Tom Hanks one step closer to world domination (sorry Meg Ryan, you snooze you lose). But with Tom Hanks' youthful good looks (seriously, the man ages like a fine wine...or maybe he just drinks a lot of smoothies?), you might be wondering, is this movie a dusty relic or a timeless classic? Buckle up, cinephiles, because we're about to embark on a thrilling investigation (emphasis on thrilling...because reading about movie ages is inherently thrilling, right?).
What Age Is The Film Philadelphia |
So, How Old Is "Philadelphia," Really?
Hold onto your hats (or wigs, if you're channeling Joe Miller's courtroom swagger), because "Philadelphia" is a sprightly 31 years old! Released in 1993, it was a time when grunge ruled the airwaves, fanny packs were the height of fashion (don't judge), and the internet was still a wee little thing most people had never heard of.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Is It Considered an "Old" Movie?
That depends on your definition of "old." In Hollywood years, 31 might be pushing retirement age for a blockbuster. But hey, "Casablanca" is 88 and still considered a masterpiece (plus, Humphrey Bogart could totally work a fedora).
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
Here's the TL;DR: "Philadelphia" is old enough to vote, but not quite old enough to get a discount at the AARP convention (although Tom Hanks might with that youthful glow).
But Wait, There's More!
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
The age of a movie can be more than just a number. "Philadelphia" tackled a serious issue – AIDS discrimination – at a time when it was a highly sensitive topic. This boldness, along with some truly stellar acting (looking at you, Tom and Denzel!), has ensured "Philadelphia" remains a relevant and impactful film.
So, should you watch it? Absolutely! Just maybe skip the fanny pack for the viewing party.
Bonus Fun Fact: The theme song, "Streets of Philadelphia" by Bruce Springsteen, won both an Oscar and a Grammy!
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because Apparently People Like Those)
How to tell if a movie is "old": Does it feature a payphone? If so, there's a good chance it pre-dates the smartphone revolution.
How to watch "Philadelphia": Most streaming services have it available to rent or purchase. Just don't try to rent it at a Blockbuster (RIP).
How to avoid an awkward conversation about movie ages: Simply say, "Wow, 'Philadelphia' is a classic!" Age-agnostic and totally true.
How to impress your friends with your movie knowledge: Casually mention that "Philadelphia" was the first big-budget Hollywood film to deal with AIDS. Bonus points for knowing the director (Jonathan Demme).
How to time travel to 1993 and snag a pair of parachute pants: Unfortunately, this technology hasn't been invented yet (or maybe that's a good thing?).