Dec 29th  
Philomena**   
(GB 2013)    
Pathe/BBC/BFI. 98m.

In 2003 journalist Martin Sixsmith assists an elderly Catholic mother whose illegitimate son was taken from her at a convent laundry, and searches for his later whereabouts in America.
Consistently interesting based-on-fact drama with only an unnecessary melodramatic final reel, but otherwise moving and engaging for its mother and surrogate son relationship between two contrasting and complimentary actors.

Written by: Steve Coogan, Jeff Pope, based on "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee" by Martin Sixsmith.
Producers: Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan, Tracey Seaward.
Director: Stephen Frears.
Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Michelle Fairley, Sophie Kennedy Clark (as young Philomena), Barbara Jefford, Sean Mahon, Peter Hermann, Mare Winningham.
Photography: Robbie Ryan.
Music: Alexandre Desplat.
Editing: Valerio Bonelli.