I'm 52 years old, and the progress between when the movie was made and now is the most miraculous medical advance in my lifetime. HIV/AIDS was a straight-up death sentence 35 years ago, and now is basically treatable as a chronic condition. It makes me incredibly happy.

Whether or not the film was 'based on a true story'..... unfortunately, it was still based on a million true stories.

There are 53 actors who were HIV Positive who appeared in this film. 43 of them died before the movie was released. 12:51 Ron Vawter was one of them. 20:45 Michael Callen, the fellow in the middle was diagnosed with AIDS in 1982 and lived for almost 11 years with the virus until he died at the age of 32.

Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington; you can't ask for a much better duo to headline this movie

Fun Fact: Tom Hanks had to lose almost thirty pounds to appear appropriately gaunt for his courtroom scenes. Denzel Washington, on the other hand, was asked to gain a few pounds for his role. Denzel Washington, to the chagrin of Tom Hanks, who practically starved himself for the role, would often eat chocolate bars in front of him. Also, Tom Hanks delivers a stellar performance in this film, but what blew me away was Antonio Banderas playing his partner and doing that so well!

This movie hits me so hard because my dad, Dr. Charles Craig MD, was at the forefront when HIV/AIDS came out to the public perception. He was an infectious disease specialist so he was one of the doctors studying and treating this goddamn disease. To the day he died he would always accept and help treat patients who had it whether they had insurance or not and I like to think in another universe he was there to help Andy, especially since he lived in Philadelphia for a long time. This movie just reinforces how important my father's work was and still is. Also, the fact you released this reaction so close to my father's death anniversary makes it so much more special. Thank you. RIP Dad, you were the greatest man I ever knew.

I lost a dear friend, Les Wagoner, to the AIDS virus in 2000. It was tough watching him decline and being powerless to help. He was kind, brilliant and one of the truest friends I've ever had. Rest In Peace Les.

My uncle died in the early days of the AIDS crisis and I remember finding out who my friends were. I was ostracized and treated as if I had it just because I loved him. It was a truly horrible time - both for the person suffering and for those who loved them.

Denzel hugging Antonio Banderas in the hospital at the end was also a huge growth

Tom Hanks won the Oscar, but Denzel was awesome in this too. One of his best.

Those centered close up shots are SO impactful in this film. Jonathan Demme was such an interesting filmmaker.

I think this was the first movie where Tom Hanks got recognized as a serious actor. Beforehand he was doing comedies.This got him his first oscar. He was nominated before for the movie Big (1988) a heartwarming comedy that i would recommend. Also i know this is Tom Hanks' film but Denzel Washington was just as good and i felt he shouldve got some award recognition.

I was 13, almost 14 when my great aunt was diagnosed with HIV and she died before I turned 16 in 1988. During that time I went through major training on how to take care of someone with full blown AIDS which was a death sentence then. People wouldn’t volunteer in the AIDS wings of the hospital so they were sent home to die. I was the youngest person to go through this course and to volunteer. I just couldn’t fathom not helping someone who needed love & compassion. My mother ended up taking the courses as well as she was very proud of me. I raised my daughter the same way and she’s an out & proud bisexual who never had to feel ashamed about it.

If you’re not at least in your 50s or late 40s you will have no idea how important and revolutionary this movie was. It came out at the height of hysteria over AIDS - at the time the so-called ‘gay plague” - and it did a lot to calm that hysteria, at least in advanced countries. There’s a reason why Bruce Springsteen got involved with the theme song and why that song won an academy award. Theres a handful of songs and movies that remind me of the era - which seems like a different world now - and they always make me long for the innocence we had back then. This movie and its theme song are two of them.

RIP Matthew Allen, an old schoolmate. He died in 1995 from AIDS, he was 13. His mother contracted the disease from a blood transfusion when she was pregnant with Matthew and his twin brother. His mom and brother passed away before he did. His father was a Baptist minister and his church refused to allow Matthew in the daycare so his dad quit. I'm glad I got to meet him, he was a nice funny kid.

The actress playing Toms mother is “Joanne Woodward “ excellent actress, was in a lot of movies and was married to “Paul Newman “!!!

I remember when AIDS was first hitting. I was renting rooms in a house owned by the president of a local orchestra, so interacted with a lot of musicians. I remember people who were healthy one week, sick the next week, and dead the following week. It was horrifying. Now it is survivable.

In case nobody mentions this, Tom Hanks mother in this movie is none other than Joanne Woodward, Academy Award winner for her 1957 portrayal of the title roll in The Three Faces of Eve, and her 50 years marriage to Paul Newman. Joanne is one of my favorites of all time.

What I remember about this movie when it was released is that Tom Hanks was already well-known and loved as an actor, having done Bosom Buddies, Splash, A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, etc., but then in January 1994, this movie was released and blew away every perception you had of him as an entertaining comedic actor, and rocketed him into 🤯Gifted Serious Actor territory. He just went on a meteoric rise from there.

Thank u so much for watching this. My absolute favorite reaction channel…….. nobody else comes close.

I was 17 years old in 1985 when it was announced that Rock Hudson had died of AIDS. He was a leading man in Hollywood during the 1950's and 60's. No one knew at the time what AIDS was, or how it was transmitted, and panic ensued. The whole thing made a big impression on me as a teenager. Nowadays AIDS is just another treatable and manageable illness that people can live with, but when I was a teenager it was a death sentence. The progress that medical science has made during the last 38 years is remarkable. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are national treasures.

I recall a trip to the post office around the time this movie is set. Outside two teenagers had set up a table with a sign attached. The sign read that people could get AIDS from a mosquito bite. It went on to say that people with AIDS should be exiled to a private island. That is what the times were like at that period.

Denzel's character arc in this movie is outstanding. From being scared to even stand near Andy in his office to helping him put his oxygen mask back on in the hospital. Outstanding movie with 2 of the best actors of my generation.

This movie marked the transition of Tom Hanks from comedian to serious actor.

I lost many friends to this disease. This film touched me a lot at the premiere. I cried my eyes out when he showed the spots on his body in court

“The Verdict “ is a wonderful courtroom drama starring Paul Newman. It’s older but truly excellent. I thoroughly enjoy watching your reactions.

The entire cast of this movie did a fantastic job. Obviously Tom and Denzel were as expected, but I thought Antonio Banderas gave a great performance as well, and even though her character was not likable, Mary Steenburgen was really good too.

The last scene always gets to me, something so raw seeing Andy as young child playing in the home video. Can you imagine as a parent watching that remembering all your hopes and dreams for your baby to have been snuffed out and in such a painful, drawn out way. Heartbreaking.

Everyone needs remember the difference in knowledge of this illness 30+ years ago, thats why its even harder watch now cause of the lack of understanding by everyone around him especially the scene where Denzil steps away and first finds out he is sick.. I cried too many times to this. My dad even bought me the Maria Callas album following this movie, but all the music is amazing too, that ending is a killer, if you dont cry you are not human

A phenomenal film. That scene Tom Hanks has where he discusses the aria, God, does it get me every time.

the scene of his family member breaking down at his hospital bed always makes me cry. It's so realistic imo, just a lot of family loving him but putting on that brave face and then just all that tension breaking

As someone who was just a kid when the AIDS epidemic was happening I can remember how scary of a time it was. I remember when they didn't know how it was spread, how it was an automatic death sentence. Wasn't till Magic Johnson lived that some hope started to come to light

Great movie. Hanks and Denzel knocked it out of the park in this movie. Hanks richly deserved his Oscar, surprised Denzel wasn't nominated. The 'opera" scene is a very powerful example of great acting and great filmmaking.

Two of my friends died of AIDS at this time. It was awful. People who had this disease were shunned. I believe a third of the gay community in SF died or were infected. Early on no one knew how it was transmitted and people were very scared. If you want to see a great movie about the AIDS crisis watch "And the Band Played On"

"Philadelphia" was a totally incredible film. Tom Hanks well deserved the Oscar he won. All of the actors, including Denzel Washinton were amazing!

This movie is so touching, so human, and was so important when it came out. The ending, with Neil Young's haunting voice singing, is one of the most bittersweet moments in film imo. The whole cast is phenomenal!

If you’re not crying yourself dry by the end of this movie, you have no soul. No matter how many times I see it, I’m straight up bawling when it ends.

I had a friend with AIDS dying when this movie came out...I don't think I ever cried so hard at any movie before or since. NOBODY deserved the Oscar more than Hanks for this movie.

Cassie, this was a tough one to do a reaction video too, you handled it beautifully with love, respect and honesty, it’s because of who you are, what we all see ‘is’ who you are. As always you wear your heart on you sleeve. This was also beautifully edited and put together.

I am a 45yo gay guy. There is an entire generation of people before me that are just gone. This movie came out just as I was starting to. It is so important that they are not forgotten.

I was a young adult when AIDS first hit the scene. I had a few gay friends and was always worried about them. Back then, AIDS was a death sentence. This story is a compilation of many. People wouldn't hug a person with AIDS or touch them. Look up the story of Ryan White. It sums up attitudes at that time.

"The Client" (1994) is another pretty good courtroom drama/thriller. From IMDb: "A young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the District Attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family." Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, Brad Renfro.

Fun fact about this movie: from 31:58 to 32:15 (when it is shown Andy's childhood in the funeral), it is shown a real video about Tom Hanks' childhood with his family. This movie is awesome and the cast is wonderful. And Tom's speech when winning the Academy Award was so touching. I watched this movie for the first time at high school when I was in 3rd year. And I remember that I was the only one crying in the classroom hahaha.

Denzel's character was doing what was right. Even though he didn't agree with or condone homosexualtiy on a personal level, he was willing to defend someone who's rights were violated because justice should be blind to personal attitudes. Lady Justice wears a blindfold for that reason. It's about the law.

When you have recovered from this very powerful and emotional film, you may want to view "Long Time Companion". It is the first mainstream film dealing with the Aids crisis. It also is a very sad and powerful film with an award-winning performance by Bruce Davison. Love your channel!!

AIDS was so scary. So many people died. It was horrible. My brother had to get tested because when he was born he was so sick he had so many blood transfusions. That was before AIDS came out so blood that was donated was never checked. It came back negative. I don't know how he got so lucky and so many others didn't.

This role and Forrest Gump got him back-to-back Best Actor Oscars...and so deserved.

The song at the end makes me cry every time. It's interesting to me this is the same director who did Silence of the Lambs; very different genres but similar techniques in how he likes doing the extreme close up on the character's face who speak directly into the camera - very effective in different ways in both movies. And the fact that Denzel's character's daughter was named Clarice, I always wondered if that's supposed to be a call out to Silence of the Lambs somehow haha.

We forget about how things used to be 20-30 years ago. Hanks and Washington both risked their careers and legacy taking on these roles.

I cried and got angry watching this movie. This is an incredible story!

There isn't a reactor I'd rather watch with when the reaction I want is a tremendous amount of empathy, humanity, and a whole lotta heart. Thank you for reaffirming this belief. This is a movie I'll put on when I'm feeling down or unable to motivate myself to do anything, or that it's not worth doing things today., I'm reminded that Andy could have just let it be. He had a family who loved him, he would have wanted for nothing to keep him comfortable for the rest of his life, but even with how sick he is and how awful he feels, he wanted to have a larger purpose, especially using the thing he loves most, The Law. And when he said, on the stand, that he lives for the moments when he feels that justice has been done, he wanted to feel that one last time. That is really beautiful and poetic. Similarly, when he and Joel Miller are discussing how AIDS causes a social death to the person with AIDS, Andy was socially reborn with this lawsuit. He guaranteed that people can't be forced to lose their livelihood because they have AIDS. He is Life!

I watched this when it came out. I saw it in college with a good friend who’s brother had died of AIDS. He and I waited after the film until the entire theater had emptied out before he stood up, held on to me, and began sobbing. I’ll never forget that.

You gotta remember Cass… when this movie was released Tom Hanks was primarily known as a comedic actor (Big, Batchelor Party )and this was the first time most fans saw a dramatic side of him. He won back to back BEST ACTOR Oscar’s for this one year and Forrest Gump the next..

welp let me get the tissues ready

The "whatever sir" guy in the library is played by an actor making his second appearance of the week. He was Charles Embry, the guy with the "smoking gun" PGE documents in Erin Brockovich! The actor's name is Tracey Walter.

That shit was scary. I remember it from high school in the 80s. We didn't want to get too close to someone with it because all we knew was that there was no cure and it was fatal. I haven't seen this movie since it came out 30 years ago. Great reaction!

I went to see this movie before my shift (worked 3rd shift at the time) and it stayed with me for the rest of the night. I was thoroughly depressed, It was a great movie but the emotional toll was too much. It was great seeing Denzel's character change over the course of the movie. His acceptance was amazing to watch. Such an amazing cast.

John Q is another great Denzel movie that is probably more relevant now than when it came out.

I grew up during this period. And as my life was in theater at the time and after, I saw so many friends and colleagues die from this horrible disease. This truly is an amazing film. And I'm so glad you finally got to see it, because your reaction to this and all the others you have witnessed is just as amazing. I can only imagine what you must be helping your children to understand as they go through life. It's wonderful to see what a human being you are! Thanks so much for sharing!

Watching you react to a good tear jerk-er is the best. Thanks for watching this ground breaking movie. It humanized the AIDS crisis for a nation.

#suggestion I think you would love Parenthood (1989). It's a comedy-drama about an extended family and the different parenting situations they are dealing with. It's incredibly funny but also very moving. Both Jason Robards and Mary Steenburgen from "Philadelphia" are in the cast. It also stars Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce (from "Amadeus"), and even a young Keanu Reeves and Joaquim Phoenix.

This movie had a genuine impact on how the public perceived HIV/Aids and those who had it. This is definitely an example of how art and storytelling done well, can shape public opinion on a subject.

Mary Steenburgen did an amazing job as opposing council. I felt she was just doing her job and hating so much of it. I’ve enjoyed all of her work.

This movie came out after height of the AIDS epidemic. As a kid I remember AIDS being a major concern back then. If you want to watch a REALLY good movie about the discovery of HIV and AIDS, watch an HBO movie called “And The Band Played On”. It has a stellar ensemble cast and is well made. The end credits with that Elton John song “The Last Song” is so sad. Please consider watching it.

Really tough film...but important. Can't say it's a fun watch. But the direction by Jonathan Demme. RIP to everyone who's died from this disease. Way too many. And love to all the families affected by it. Covid, for me, drove a lot of this time period home. Be safe out there everyone. Can't live in fear...but be safe. ❤

Thanks for reacting to this movie. Some art entertains, evokes emotions, and uplifts the spirit. But some art changes the world. This is that kind of art.

This role gave Tom Hanks the first of 2 Oscars---back to back---for Best Actor. This in 1994 and "Forrest Gump" in 1995. An AMAZING feat from one of the greatest actors of our time. Excellent movie...

So happy you watched this one. I've been hoping you would. Prejudice lived then, and continues to live today and I think that people like you have the power to change peoples' hearts and minds. thanks.

Tom won his first Oscar for this role, performance!!!

Yes, most people were poorly informed about HIV/AIDS up until the early 90’s. Not until Magic Johnson getting HIV and people seeing most of his teammates & competitors embracing him did the shift really take place globally. Keep in mind that some players and fans continued to show their prejudice for quite a number of years after.

I'm glad that at least a few people on KZfaq are watching such great classics again. Many people only watch the standard films that everyone knows, but such films are becoming more and more forgotten.

1986. January 16: The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more people were diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 than in all earlier years combined. The 1985 figures show an 89% increase in new AIDS cases compared with 1984. Of all AIDS cases to date, 51% of adults and 59% of children have died.

I know, everyone talks about Hanks in this, but nobody ever mentions Denzel in this as well. Dude was very phenomenal as Joe Miller. I'd recommend you check out The Manchurian Candidate (2004 film) if you want another film by Jonathan Demme (who FYI... directed Silence of the Lambs), but want to see more Denzel....

I cried watching you review this film. It is a masterclass in acting and direction. The score and the writing are top notch. It's truly one of the best films of all time.

Thanks for watching this. It’s sad that this moment in history is not discussed much today. It was such an impactful time. Watching this movie makes me think of a few college friends who died of AIDS and what they and their families must have gone through. It always makes me cry and I wish that I was there for them.

The library scene is pivotal. Earlier the librarian gave Denzel a dirty look (I don't believe this would have happened in reality) which was meant to be discriminatory behavior. Later on Denzel sees Andy be discriminated against when basically being told to move somewhere else. It was at that point Denzel felt Andy's pain and got mad about it.

It really is incredible how quickly attitudes changed. Younger people probably have a hard time appreciating how pervasive homophobia was not all that long ago.

A thoughtful; and heartfelt reaction as always Cassie, well done. Great performances from Hanks and the whole cast. I loved your reaction to the appearance of Mary Steenburgen: 'Oh no, I don't want to not like her.' Classic Cassie.

Tom Hanks mother was played by Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman’s wife and an academy award winner

Joanne Woodward plays Tom Hanks' (Andrew's) mother. She is also an Oscar winning actor and wife of actor Paul Newman.

So glad you watched this. One of the most impactful movies I have ever seen with 2 of the best actors out there. I cannot and will not even imagine anyone else playing those parts

They also showed his transformation with the very warm embrace he and Antonio's character shared at the hospital... Antonio even kissed him, and it wasn't a thing

Philadelphia was a very well acted movie on a sad subject. If you want to watch another great movie on the same subject matter, you need to check out A Normal Heart. Love your reactions and I always miss your sister when she's not watching with you.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it was like dealing with the AIDS crisis in the 1970s and especially during the 1980s, Cassie, you should see the HBO docudrama AND THE BAND PLAYED ON (1993). It really goes into the gritty details of the beginnings of the epidemic and how it affected everyone, and about how it was treated and the HIV virus identified by scientists during that period. But mostly it’s about how it devastated the gay community and millions of others. My oldest brother died of AIDS in 1992 and it forced me to rethink everything I had thought I knew.

This movie brings me to tears every time and it hurts me even more because my grandmother just passed away last year age 65.

IMO, one of the best movies for each of them in their careers.

I was hoping you’d notice the librarian was the same actor that gave Erin brokovich her smoking gun!!

More COUTROOM DRAMAs for Cassie: *The Rainmaker* (1997, starring Matt Damon) and *The Runaway Jury* (2003, starring John Cusack) 😄

I have uncles who are gay and they lived through this. And I know plenty of friends of theirs who lived through the epidemic. And this film is soft compared to what it was actually like during those times.

I love this movie, because my father died at aids in 1992. And this movie show the people that's not a problem to kiss, hugg or touch a person with this horrible disease. Greetings from germany.

Princess Diana shaking hands and hugging AIDS patients in 1987 was huge. She showed the world the victims of this disease need to help and to be treated with humanity, not shunned.

As soon as I heard at first what you felt the movie might be, all I could say was- Giiiirl, you are gonna need your tissues soon. While I didn't happen to first see this in a theater, I knew for the most part what it was about. I didn't watch it until sometime after it got to TV. I've been a TH fan since Bosom Buddies, so got my nerve up to watch it. I was surprised by it in so many ways and it really grabs your heart! It always gets me teary the few times I've watched it. And yes, one of the things I love is- just how Loving and close his family is. And Johanne Woodward, playing TH's Mom, was a big move at the time. I don't think she was doing much acting back then. Such a talented lady! (BTW- her real husband was Paul Newman.) Lots of talent though in this film. Jason Robards always had a knack at playing the 'Bad guy' quite well in some movies. I'm not quite sure Cassie, why you felt Andy's sister, calling her parents- Mommie and Daddy was an issue? Anyways, great movie. 😊

Tom Hanks. Denzel Washington. Joanne Woodward. Jason Robards. All Academy Award winners. This was Tom Hanks first.

"Primal Fear." Nice. Rarely reacted to. Looking forward to that one too.

Thanks for watching this one. It is close to my heart. So few people pay attention to this film, but it was so important as one of the first mainstream (if not the first) to address AIDS in a meaningful way. To have Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, along with the other major known actors and musical contributors work on this film meant that finally a conversation was opened up about it. My closest friend was infected with HIV when he was 19 years old and this fear, the social isolation and fear of it, was traumatic for all involved. As always, thank you for your kind heart. I always love watching your reactions.

This was a very Important movie for its time. I was a college student in San Francisco during the height of the AIDS score. The fear and prejudice around this disease was far worse than what we just went though with COVID 19. This movie did more to start to combat the fear and ignorance than many of the treatments being developed.

Tom Hanks is immeasurably talented.

this movie was so important at the time, and still remains an excellent reminder of how far we have come, and how far we have to go

The last scene is so powerful that this song makes me cry until today. Thanks for the reaction

The Mother is played by Joanne Woodward. She was married to Paul Newman for 50 years. They worked together in Hollywood starting in 1953, made movies together and she even starred in movies Paul directed. Only Paul's death separated them. 😖🥴✌️👍🤔💯