When you remember Princess Diana sitting with and holding the hands of AIDS patients back in 1987 when the vast majority of the world wouldn't be in the same room without a mask and gloves. People were ignorant, the knowledge wasn't available, but that lady showed the world what compassion is.
Now in today's world, people are against wearing a mask around people that could have a virus (covid) that can pass on from person to person by close proximity.
Madonna did a lot for AIDS patients too back then, many of her best friends died from it. In 1987, Madonna became the first artist to hold a concert just for AIDS fundraising
This was the movie that transformed Tom Hanks' entire acting career. Prior to this, he was starring in movies like Splash, Big, The 'Burbs, Turner & Hooch, etc. After this, he was starring in movies like Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile, Castaway, etc. He went from being just a comedic actor to superstar.
The change in Denzel from being petrified of touching anything Tom touched at the beginning to the simple act of putting the mask back on in the hospital speaks volumes. 😢
This movie did a lot to bring humanity to suffering AIDS victims. Until then, people were terrified of the disease and given the choice, would choose cancer over it. My mom comforted her friend's brother as he was dying from it and she told me he cried when she touched his arm because no one, not even his sister, had touched him since the diagnosis.
I've seen this movie several times, and cried a few times. I got teary-eyed when JL was fighting off the "ugly cry." But your comment made the tears come out. How sad that no one would touch a loved one because of the diagnosis! Thanks, friend's brother's Mom.
Definitely understand your concern, but you don't EVER have to worry about J's handling of sensitive topics. He's one of the most compassionate, open-minded reactors around.
My grandma was a nurse when the HIV epidemic first broke out. She saw many other nurses quit their jobs in order to avoid patients with the virus. The stories she has told me are heart shattering.
I take my hat off to Tom Hanks who took a risk taking this part. You have no idea how many families did not support their sons and would not allow them to come home when they were dying. They were often more upset to learn their son was homosexual than the fact they were dying. That is the way it was and I remember it well. No matter how many times doctors would tell people you could not get it by kissing or hugging a person with AIDS, people just refused to believe it. It was a sad time and an infuriating time to live through and the world is the worse for the loss of so many wonderful, talented people.
So many gay men suffered and died without anyone by their side. They left this world miserably and no one cared. Especially our government. I will NEVER forgive Reagan for the ignorance and cruelty he did nothing to change.
My father died of AIDS 1994, when this movie came out, I couldn't watch it as my father was in and out of the hospital at the time...just hit too close to home. I finally watched it for the first time in 2000. I can't watch this movie without crying my eyes out.
I’m sorry for your loss as well. My mother lost her long battle with AIDS in September 2013. My father is HIV positive now. This movie, and Dallas Buyers Club will always dear to my heart.
One of the interesting things I noticed, and I didn't notice until your reaction, was we went from, "Explain it to me like a two year old" to "Explain it to me like a four year old" to "Explain it to me like a six year old." I interpret that as growth of understanding and acceptance. Thank you for watching and for your acceptance of people in our community. I'll give a shout out to your moms too!
Denzel’s performance in the hospital room, trying to stay strong, showing respect, letting Andy say goodbye on his own terms, is very moving. All the family members’ acting really, just top notch. The younger brother sobbing gets me every time, as well as Neil Young’s song in the ending scene.
This movie was so important when it came out. It was informative and shattered some of the misconceptions. And it exposed some of the horrible treatment people inflicted upon those with HIV/AIDS. Great story, great acting, great direction.
you're funny and i love that, but the one thing about you i appreciate the most is how open minded you are. You don't just keep an open mind, but an open heart too, i wasn't ready to feel the emotions I felt watching this. I've seen this movie a thousand times and yet the thing that touched me the most was you being an example of how a human being should be--no judgement, no prejudice, you are awesome, sir. thank you ❤❤❤❤
The "I didn't raise my kids to sit in the back of the bus." comment from Andrew's mom was referring to how people with Aids in the 80's (the time period of this movie) were treated. People with AIDS were (largely) feared and treated as pariahs. Look up the story of Ryan White. He was a young boy who contracted AIDS due to a blood transfusion because he was a haemophiliac. He was treated horribly. Not only by other kids and parents, but even the school kicked him out. It was a terrible time until more knowledge was learned. This movie was based on real events that happened in 1987. (still a time of ignorance and fear) That's why it was such a big deal when Princess Diana touched and hugged AIDS patients in the hospitals in England - and other examples. Great movie.
I’ve never heard of this movie until tonight and managed to sit through it fine up until Andy’s mother said goodnight to him. Regardless of the cause, a parent should never have to lose their child. No matter the age, you will always be your mother’s “baby”. The scene before where Denzel touched the mask was sweet as well.
I usually dont comment but my Uncle died of AIDS in 94 so this movie is always hard for me to watch. My grandma was ashamed of it and lied and told people that he had cancer😢. Anyways, thankyou for watching this movie and showing so much compassion.
My brother-in-law's older brother Russell died of AIDS, and he was one of my favorite people. I remember how his own family members acted around him and it made me mad. At my sister's wedding, I walked into the reception, holding Russell's hand. Before we had to walk out, he didn’t want to do that, because he didn't want to upset my parents, especially since I was a kid. I said that we were gonna look like everyone else and there was nothing to be afraid of. The last time that I saw Russell, he was really sick, but he was trying to rally. I bent down to hug him, and he said that he was worried. I said, "are you afraid that you'll catch hetero from me?" Russell cracked up and said, "it had better not be! I went through great lengths to avoid that plague!" We used to sit in the corner at every party, smoke cigarettes, and make fun of everyone. Nobody could throw shade like Russell.
My most beloved uncle died of AIDS shortly after this movie came out. It was devastating to watch what it did to him. He had lived in San Francisco since the 70’s, and all of his friends I grew up knowing are long gone as well. I couldn’t watch this movie for a long time because it hit too close to home. Bless you for your loving and generous heart.
I'm so sorry for the loss you experienced; it was a fkn horrible time. so much bigotry surrounding homosexuality that that is what they focused on.. not the fact that so many fkn people were DYING and they weren't really doing anything to HELP them.. they still haven't really helped them, and you cannot tell me they didn't roll out AIDS like a new Ford off the assembly line.
@@katieturner6685 it really did and still does. His older brother - my other uncle - was married to a fundie bible-thumper who said he was sick because he was a sinner and she would pray for him since he was going to hell 🙄 (this same aunt took her husband my uncle’s entire life savings and gave it to her church)
I have watched your reactions for a while. I've always loved your humor, your empathy, your compassion, your puppers. I'm in the LGBTQIA+ community, and this reaction really touched me. Thank you for being you. You make the world a brighter place.
When someone close to me dies im the same way. Watching home videos and listening to stories about them doesn't warm my heart or make me feel better. I don't need to do those things to remind me that they're gone. Does that make me a terribly selfish person? That's what I've been called.
Yeah, there's NO way you're making it out of this without sobbing. Jonathan Demme's use of cinematography, shot composition, music, and editing really makes this a one of a kind film that lingers long after the credits roll.. Then, of course, you have Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington giving all-time best performances ❤
@sandimcalisterblood2675 - Can I get you to send an email to EOMediaReacts@Gmail.com when you get a chance? Have a question I wanna run by you. Thanks so much!
The film is loosely based on real events in the lives of two Philadelphia lawyers who sued their respective law firms for wrongful dismissal based on AIDS discrimination. There's a Washington Post article that came out on the heels of the release of this film that describes the story of one of the real lawyers. RU-vid won’t let me post the direct link here, so, if you’re interested, just Google the title of the article: “The Ghost of Philadelphia”.
Philadelphia is a Masterpiece! Denzel and Tom Hanks acted their asses off in this movie. Tom Hanks was considered a comedic actor before Philadelphia came out! But once people saw his powerful moving performance in this film it changed everything for Tom Hanks. He won a Academy Award for Best actor for Philadelphia! Tom Hanks won again the next year for Forrest Gump and he's been killing it in every role for decades.
4:10 That’s a kaposi sarcoma lesion. Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer that causes lesions in the soft tissues such as the skin, lymph nodes, internal organs, and mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and throat. It often affects people with immune deficiencies, such as HIV or AIDS. A number of AIDS patients exhibited kaposi sarcoma, particularly in the early days of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s. It was often an indication back then that a person had full blown AIDS rather than simply being HIV positive. Today, fortunately, it’s considered very rare, fewer than 20,000 cases a year.
I recall this time in the 80’s so well. People were paranoid about AIDS. I recall s small child here in Australia being hounded out of school. She was only 3 and was banned from pre school because she had AIDS from blood transfusion. . The family eventually moved to New Zealand to escape the persecution. Her name was Eve Van Grafhorst. Funeral Directors refused to bury the dead, or even give them funerals. Hospitals refused them medical treatment. Nurses and Doctors wouldn’t treat them. It was horrible.
I'm a gay man. Thank you, thank you so much for having a good heart. Thank you for understanding that we have been discriminated against and shown hatred and have been misunderstood.... for being different. We can't control that we're gay, or lesbian, or bisexual, etc. I appreciate you watching this movie, and for having a heart of compassion. Thank you, J. ❤❤
This film touched my heart because I was a person who was very discriminated against because of my condition. You have moved me with your reaction. If I loved you before, now I do it even more. You are a wonderful person! Thank you! Greetings from Tandil, Argentina 🇦🇷❤️💪
Exactly how AIDS is contracted wasn't clear at the time. Fear was rampant & anyone who had it was shunned. No one wanted to touch or be around someone with the disease. It was considered a homosexual disease by the public. Discrimination was already horrible against homosexuals so add the virus & disease to it & you can only imagine how bad it was. I remember bigoted people saying they hoped the disease would "wipe out a homos". Truly a sad time. Thank you for watching this. Tom & Denzel nailed it.
I've heard interviews that while Tom Hanks was extreme dieting for this role, Denzel would keep leaving candy bars around and eating them in front of him to torture him.
If you like courtroom dramas, and you haven't already seen them, I hope you'll consider reacting to Erin Brokovich (Julia Roberts), The Rainmaker (Matt Damon?) and A Time to Kill (Sam L. Jackson & Mathew Mconaughey)
My mom was a volunteer with AIDS Walk Atlanta in the early 90s. She would go all over Atlanta asking businesses if she could place donation boxes in their storefronts and offices. Every day she would come home absolutely WRECKED, makeup running down her face, just terrible looking. She said you wouldn't believe the number of people who would run her out of their businesses calling her all kinds of terrible names just for trying to raise money to help sick people. Places wouldn't let her use their restrooms because they thought she probably had AIDS. She started volunteering after seeing this film and being so moved by it.
yay for people like your mother and for people like you! thank heavens for all of you. there is so much cruelty and horror in the world. but then there is also so much goodness. it is overwhelming. thanks for posting.
One of my favorite movies of all time. Tom does a amazing job putting a human face to the situation and I love how Denzel character changes I love this movie
I'm literally on medication that keeps me from crying. That shit didn't work today, I was ugly crying like I've never seen this movie before. RIP to all of those that have lost their lives ♥️
Touching on the themes of this film I recommend 'And the Band Played On' and 'Angels in America' ( yes, it's six hours, you don't have to watch it all at once) as viewing. Not necessarily for the channel, but just on your own time. They're the types of movies that everybody should see at least once.
Regarding the relationship between Miguel and Andy, it *was* 1993. They were pushing their luck doing a film that humanized AIDS as it was. Adding more intimacy between a gay couple (one of whom is an AIDS patient) just wasn't going happen. You could have a gay couple *or* you could have AIDS in the movie. So, they tiptoed around it and, as much as we can criticize *now*, this was the nest option at the time.
This movie was so powerful, especially at a time where there was still a great fear among many people about AIDS. Tom Hanks' performance was simply phenomenal. The transformation of Denzel Washington's character from ignorant bigot to understanding and compassionate person spoke volumes. I'm glad you took to time to watch this movie. Even though it's 30 years old, it's still a tough watch, especially seeing how people treated those with HIV/AIDS.
You youngsters have to keep in mind the fear and mystery around the disease in the beginning. Keep in mind how some people acted about taking the covid vaccine but times it by 100. I personally opened my mind about the disease and those who fell victim to it when Magic Johnson acquired it. There are many things people of this generation do and have done that they may regret 20-30 years from now. Great movie and was very important in advancing a bit of understanding for us all.
the movie was made in 1993, but it took place before that...u have to remember, back in the late 80s, we didn't know anything about aids or HIV...so people reacted different...I was 19 when I worked wit a guy wit aids named rick(r.i.p.), and they treated him just like Tom hanks, but he was my friend, he was like 60 and gay, he died in like 1995😢...it hit me hard cuz he taught me so much
Also Jomathan Demme who directed this is an under rated legend (he also directed Silence Of The Lambs). I feel you'd love his 80's gems Something Wild (a super 80's thirst noir) , Married To The Mob (a great mafia romcom) and Melvin and Howard (a great dramedy). Theyre very varied but all very quality less discussed gens.
HIV/AIDS had a lot of misunderstanding and hype around it back then. So folks were scared to touch the victims of it. After all these years, I finally caught how Denzel was touching his eyes and eating with the hand he just shook after knowing Tom had AIDS, just to see that last reaction of his character looking back at his hand after Tom left. Think that CVD word. Fear. Excellent reaction brother.
Lemme start by saying that I, personally, don't often miss your show but as soon as you posted this movie, I couldn't wait to see your reactions to it. One of my favorite Tom Hanks movies and you're right, they should work together more often. Man! I'm so glad you caught this flick. I know I sound like a broken record when I say that you never disappoint. Your reactions, comments and just chillin' with us, shows why we all love you so much. That being said, I kinda knew this movie would jerk your heart strings but man! You reminded me of my first time watching it and that's what it's all about! Thanks for that, my brother! Thank you Blank and thank you Shawn. You 3 and the copilots make (and whomever is involved. In Case I missed anyone) why your channel is da best! Congratulations!
now with all the prejudices you see around aids at the time, can you see why when Princess Dianna visited a hospital and not only shook hands but also hugged AIDs patients, she educated herself enough to know the disease and made a compassionate gesture that helped change social views on AIDS..
Your reaction to this movie is just one of so many reasons I like you J. And subscribed awhile ago. A wise man once said, “Don’t look away from the pain! Behold! And know your heart better!
I’ve never in my life shared the same reactions to films as when I watch your reactions. Even films like this which I’ve seen numerous times. I love your work and you as a person. Keep up the marvelous work
When this movie was made, yeah I remember just everyone assuming AIDS and HIV was contagious by just simply being close to someone with it or touching what they touched. So for me this film opened up so many eyes literally and honestly showcased Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington brilliant acting that really stripped down the prejudice and truly imo made a difference for sure and to this day held as one of most influencial films that sparked something in your heart and soul for love of all humanity despite differences
If you want to see a very different Tom Hanks role (the closest he's come to playing a straight up villain) as a prohibition era mob enforcer who has to keep his kid safe while on the run from his old bosses then check out Road To Perdition. It's shot GORGEOUSLY and has great performances by Paul Newman, Jude Law and Daniel Craig too.
That was a beautiful and sad story. I love how Denzel's character did start off bigoted but then grew and learned how to become a better person. I also get how difficult it is to accept that sort of bigotry from marginalized groups, it feels horrible. Your commentary was spectacular and again one of the main reasons I subscribed and love your content. Thank you.
I remember when this came out. Denzel"s behavior was spot on. Pretty much everyone was terrorfied of contracting HIV. It was useless trying to explain to them they couldn't get it from a toilet seat. People were scared and rightly so..Good reaction 😊
One of the most touching movies ever. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington did an amazing job. The songs by Bruce Springsteen(sang it several times at Karaoke) and Neil Young broke my heart apart. Great reaction by Jay.👏👏👏
I know I have said it before, but I have to say it again: I love you and your channel! Me and my 2 cat co-pilots salute you and your 2 doggo co-pilots from across the pond. Your humanity and compassion are very, very much appreciated. Especially as times grow darker again day by day for so many of us around the world.
Loved your reaction! I'm with you about watching footage of loved ones right after they leave us. My good friend had cancer that came on suddenly and he passed away within 6 months, during the height of the pandemic so we waited until about 6 months, on his birthday, to have a memorial where we watched old footage of him. I'm glad I had that 6 months to grieve because I would've ugly cried everywhere! I felt horrible that I couldn't be there for my friend the first two days after he died because I was just a mess and I didn't want her to deal with my blubbering when she had just lost her husband. Luckily she still has her parents, sisters and their familes for support as well as me and my family.
It’s good for younger people to see how it was in the 90s. Understanding how far we have come, it’s important to remember how much farther we have to go to reach equality. In many ways we’re going backward. I’m so inspired by Andrew’s courage in this movie. Hanks took home the Oscar that year, I think. Great pic for National Coming Out Day. Everyone, be sure to donate to a related cause on World AIDS Day December 1st or take a moment to remember the millions of people living with HIV right now and waiting for a cure.
No matter how many times I have seen this movie, once that piano starts at the end while the home videos are playing, the floodgates open. Amazing movie and an amazing reaction as always JL! Nothing but respect and love.
My tears started when Andy’s little brother dropped his head down onto Andy’s chest at the hospital and he started to cry. The video of his childhood at the memorial and that song starting did me in too.
This movie came out when I was about 11. I never watched it. I did have an art teacher in middle school who had aids and he passed a few years later. He was a really nice guy and I wish I knew more about him but in those days, living in a small town, things were different. I don't remember seeing any discrimination but I can't imagine how it must've been for him. I hope he found his peace. Thanks for doing this movie Jay! It's always a journey but I usually already seen the movies you do. Have a good weekend everyone.
I wish more people thought like you did. There's no reason to hate someone for what they are, as long as someone isn't hurting another person it should be no reason to hate them. I agree with you, I just want people to be happy and be loved.
I remember when AIDS first showed up in Detroit. A person I knew from hanging out at Todds Sway Lounge, (a big Punk/New wave hangout) everyone called him "Ted the Head", (Everyone had nicknames back then... and we called him Ted the Head, because he would sleep with anyone, he was gorgeous, but Lord, that boy could not be stopped.) He went to New York and came back a few months later, wasted thin, looking awful. He was the first person that I remember who showed up extremely sick. He had Pneumonia and skin lesions. Back then, everyone thought it came from "Poppers". No one was worried, but then more and more people in the gay / punk/ new wave community started getting sick. Even the owners of Todds came down with it. Then the Bath Houses were suspected and the gay community started shutting stuff down. The gay community reacted first, promoting safe sex and fighting for more research. I think a few years later, My best friend, (James Edward Locklear) told me, that he had HIV, and I didn't even know what that was. I thought it was a sign that he had come in contact with AIDS, but he didn't have it. I was so ignorant. Two years later, he developed a brain virus and passed away. I helped to take care of him and it was an honor that he let me see him and take care of him. Because it meant that he loved me and trusted me. This movie only touches a tiniest bit of how AIDS effected lives. Not trying to be dramatic, but AIDS wiped out so many beautiful, talented people. Some were famous, like Arthur Ashe and Rock Hudson, and some were just friends and family.
@JL I love your empathy and humanity, never feel bad about showing your real feelings, your lovely dogs aside it is your greatest asset. This movie with Magic getting HIV and Regan seeing his friend Rock Hudson get AIDS those 3 things saved millions of lives. Such a great movie with amazing actors
Hey, J...I know that watching these heavy movies is hard for you, but I love that we get to see so much of your heart and soul. You're such a good person. I wish I could give you a great big hug.🤗❤
I"m 34 minutes in and CRYING. I haven't watched this movie since the 90's.. since the theatre. Gosh.. the vibe of the late 80'ss early 90's is so THICK.. in this one. There's a song, Philadelphia. Bu Bruce Springsteen. Yes, the song was written for an AIDS patient.. but every time I listen to the song, I"m not reminded of AIDS. Lyrically, the song can describe what it is to be HOMELESS. Which.. back then.. AIDS patients were homeless, abandoned by this society.. left to die, without any kind of human compassion. The song to me, if you can take a listen, yes, it applies to AIDS patients, but also to those homeless out there.. always. The homeless who NEVER get a movie about the bigotry they endlessly experience.
This is the channel I turn to when I want a moment of levity even when you are watching a drama like Philadelphia (1993), you are somehow still able to pull a smile out of me so thank you for that. Have a good one, you too Blank. =]
The spots on his face were actually a type of cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma, but it is very rare to get that particular type of cancer if you don’t have AIDS.
The absence of Antonio Banderas (Miguel) between scenes and whether they lived together bugged me too. I was not at all happy when I found out that some scenes showing more affection between Andy and Miguel were cut, including one with them in bed together. I guess they felt that in order for the film to have a larger educational impact on people, it would be wise to avoid turning off homophobic audience with intimate scenes. Here's one of these cut scenes on RU-vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YKMS91y7Udg.html
I was in college when this film came out. I was openly gay, and an AIDS activist at the time. I was also frustrated with how "safe" this film seemed. I hated that they cut out the stuff between Andy and Miguel, as well. I was moved by it, but frustrated. I didn't hate it or anything, but I was begrudging in my respect and acceptance of it. Now, almost 30 years later, I think the film is pretty perfect for in terms of what it needed to do. PHILADELPHIA was walking this crazy tightrope of big old-fashioned-Hollywood movie, with an extremely progressive story. It was the first major motion picture to deal with AIDS, and one of the first times a major male Hollywood star was playing a gay man, and on and on. It had a lot of plates to spin. And truthfully, this movie changed things. I watched it happen in real time. Everybody went to see it. Everybody was moved. Many were changed. That is a big deal. When I watch it now, in my mid-50's, having lived through so many parts of this film, and life, I am surprised at just how far it actually went. And I am amazed at how moving it really is. The whole opera section with Andy and Maria Callas is stunning. We suddenly are not in a Hollywood film anymore. It is almost surreal. Yet, everybody got it, and went with it. Radical, in its way. I have similar feelings about the musical RENT. I was annoyed with it when it came out. It seemed ridiculous to me, and way too easy, dancing and singing, etc. Well-RENT ran on broadway for 12 years. 12 years! And two touring companies criss-crossed the u.s. for over a decade. Do you realize how many people saw that show? OMG. RENT changed the way so many people felt about AIDS. And yes, it is too easy at times, and yes, it is ridiculous at times, it's a broadway musical for heaven's sake! but it worked, it is extremely moving, it humanizes the experience of AIDS for people, and that is important. And all those performances all over the world later meant everybody saw it, and many were changed. It is kind of nice, all these years later, I love both pieces, and am grateful that they exist. thanks for posting!
I didn’t know I also couldn’t watch a reaction to this movie without tearing up. For another movie with Denzel as a lawyer I highly recommend Pelican Brief.
12:13 To me thats the saddest part of the movie. That look on his face and "Streets of Philadelphia" playing, gets me every time. This movie and the fact Tom is able to convey so much emotion without saying a word made him my favorite actor.
Fast forward to covid and I feel like we have learned very little unfortunately just because someone believes different or has different political views people are willing to disown their own family because they think differently, I hope and pray we do better. TFS Friend Always enjoy your reactions!
