La Mamma Morta - from Philadelphia

[@BetoSantosCWB]

In my opinion, one of the strongest scenes in the history of cinema.

[@bobwerner3697]

I agree... everything about the scene is amazing! The song. The characters. Denzel at that moment...his compassion... Hanks and his pouring out of emotion to the song... it's all just wonderful! I could never get tired of this scene.

[@gioq4702]

once in a while I watch it and I cry

[@misskutula2294]

I was talking about this song to my brother and asked him if he remembered the scene. I did. Then as a little girl. And now, how it speaks to me as an adult. I summarized with this exact paraphrase! Now, I see others feel the same. Union in music, is a union in soul. Beautiful.

[@AntheInEcht]

@@bobwerner3697 and Maria Callas !!

[@sammaria2407]

I agree

[@tomterreri6364]

This scene, the acting , the interpretation by Hanks, the singing of Maria Callas in the background was pure genius. Every now and then there is a moment in time when the stars are aligned and perfection knocks at your door. This is one of those moments.

[@Gid444]

I'm Italian and watching this scene for me is just heartbreaking: I obviously understand the words of the area, which Maria Callas sings in my language, and hearing them repeated in English by Tom Hanks in such a dramatic voice is overwhelming for me. I'm truly glad that he won an Oscar for this outstanding performance.

[@gioq4702]

this aria is not so popular in Italy. we have to thank this film for making it famous

[@mistersmith1883]

@@gioq4702 the Italians love Callas. They are the ones who named her la DIVINA. She's Greek by the way. Born in NYC

[@gioq4702]

@@mistersmith1883 I know I'm italian. But the Andrea Chenier was not so popular before this movie. Casta Diva is her most famous aria.

[@colleenmcgarrity9267]

It's so beautiful and tragic. It breaks my heart.

[@lorna921]

Absolutely beautiful and sooo moving.

[@markdarenvillanueva7740]

let's not forget the greatest soprano that made this scene phenominal. The Greatest Vocal Diva of all time... La Divina... Maria Callas!

[@Jeannine2007]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😢😢😢

[@lostlakpaul]

I love how you see the change in Denzel's face with the reflection of the flames. And how the whole song is about Tom Hank's life. It's just magic.

[@Zva26]

Note the facial reactions on Denzel Washington as Tom Hanks traverses the singing of the sublime Callas. This scene ALONE could have won him the Oscar!

[@elyoussoufi81]

Тhis mоviе is nоw avаilааааblе tо wаaааtсh hеrе => twitter.com/78971a8e961e153e7/status/795843803164721152 Lа Мammа Моrtа frоm Рhilаdеlрhiа

[@juliusjulius979]

you're right , it is

[@stephenbruce4052]

I love that I have the ability to pay it Forward xo

[@Logoned]

I was just thinking the same thing about Denzel's expression here, Hanks poured it all out in this movie. This was my favorite scene in the movie. Just when I thought there was a Denzel I hadn't seen here comes this one out from nowhere in the distant past.

[@diegor8252]

I didn't see any facial reaction, he's just serious. Don't be so exagerated

[@andyiswonderful]

The scene works well on so many levels. The pathos of the Callas aria mirrors the agony of Beckett's life. Like Madellena, he endures horrible things in his life, and never succumbs to bitterness or despair. The power of love delivers him; his own love and the love of those around him. It is a turning point in the movie. Beckett is accepting his fate, knowing that love will deliver him, even in death. The Denzel Washington character also experiences a turning point. Up to now, Beckett is just another client, but now he sees the humanity in the man, he feels empathy and sorrow. He reflects on his own life, and realizes that his own love for his family is the binding force in his life. He is also delivered.

[@the1stime]

Your words capture the moment beautifully❤️

[@lanimabilanganligot]

This is for me one of the most beautiful arias written and Maria Callas sings it with a beautiful God-given voice.

[@enfava]

Music, Hank´s characterization and Washington´s eyes expression turns this scene into a piece of art. Human nature could seldom be represented in such a perfect synthesis.

[@CosmosMarinerDU]

Yes. In the most visceral, human, sense, and the most abstract philosophical sense, this is a true work of art. Over a quarter of a century later and I still become an emotional wreck.

[@artdanks]

Agreed. And to make this artistic synthesis even more perfect was to decide on the voice of Maria Callas. No other singer would have made for such an emotional impact in this scene.

[@iridout2002]

My late wife and i watched this movie and I don't ever remember the audience remaining in their seats watching the entire credits. I was so emotionally overcome I could not even speak for a long time on the drive home. Now watching this I am in tears thinking and missing her.

[@lesblack3756]

I watched this film for the first time a few days ago. I found this scene to be intensely moving and beautiful. As Tom Hank's character walks around the room, pulling his intravenous infusion with him, it speaks first of heartbreak, then hope, then of sorrow caused "to those who love me", then the assurance of life given by the "God who comes down from heaven to earth". The God, the I AM, whose name is Love.

[@brianycc]

Very well put my friend ... Its an amazing scene that includes the 2 main characters developing a flawed relationship, denzel has an emotional expression that deepens greatly & seen Tom's passion he has come full circle with the conclusion of this Epic scene

[@stephenfletcher6801]

Truly, one of the most powerful and emotional dramatic scenes in all of film history. I will never forget being brought to tears as Maria Callas was exposing her soul in this aria and Tom Hanks was living it fully within himself. Just amazing......and what a gift to us!

[@martinep35]

I've seen this scene many times!! in my opinion it's the most moving one I've ever seen in my life

[@PaoloSgrilli]

I love Opera and I also Maria Callas,I always am deeply moved while I am watching this masterpiece.And Tom Hanks is so awesome.BRAVO!!!!!

[@writeronthestormkyushu565]

Tom Hanks channeling the suffering and sorrow of the entire world, and oh, my oh my, the beauty of life amidst all of the heartache. The last high note and Tom's anguish and awareness come together and shatters everything we think we know about life. "I am love."

[@mistersmith1883]

This is what started my Maria Callas obsession. I forget about it. I saw it 2 years ago. Loved it, than casta diva, la wally now I know & love too many to list. Callas is the best

[@zhiqipace2902]

I watched this movie tonight and now I can't sleep. AND THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENES IVE EVER WATCHED IN MY LIFE, I just can't stop thinking about this scene and going back and forth watching it over and over again. Every thing, the music, the line the acting the lighting the color he composition the camera movement is just so perfect. And it's very touching. Tom hanks is so great. It's 4am right now ahh I gotta sleep

[@PattieOFurniture]

still just as powerful today as it was in 1993... goosebumps and tears

[@hybrid4551]

I saw this at the cinema and by the end of this scene there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I never liked opera until I heard this. Best film Hanks has ever done in my opinion.

[@claudejuniormalo3012]

H ybrid Forrest Gump was a good one too!😉👍

[@Reysmash183rd]

Cast away also

[@jcee6886]

Turner and hooch was pretty good. Just saying.

[@justsayin1643]

I also saw this movie at the theatre we were all crying and when the movie ended no one moved. It was amazing.

[@edupbeat]

i'm a urban black male born/raised in chi. don't know jack about opera but i tell u, when i saw this scene/movie when i was 12,i cried! i dont know why i did that til this day. i guess it was a testament 2 how powerful film can be.

[@Zva26]

Maria Callas, of course, stands as THE opera diva of the Twentieth Century. She was noted for her ability to use her voice as an instrument of expression and to take her audiences to places they had never been before, and to feel things they never felt before. Her artistry was overwhelming and she was the greatest of operatic actresses. She was a goddess in close to fifty different operatic roles, some of which no other soprano could sing because the music was so difficult.

[@shesslucky]

Beautiful cinematography. The faint wash of red, red being the colour of pain but also the colour of love. "It was during that sorrow that love came to me" Tom Hanks is heartbreaking, he broke mine. To see Denzel's character finally tearing up for a man who's very lifestyle he once described as "nauseating". But he does not shed it once.

[@lizakolganova7608]

That scene is amazing. Amazing acting, amazing music, amazing camera work. Tom Hanks is very-very talented, I like his touching, beautiful acting.

[@michelleredd4756]

I'm no opera or classical music buff, but I know what I like and from the 4th grade I had a teacher that took me to a classical performance at Ravinia's open outdoor theater Madam Butterfly and I absolutely fell in love with it and all the great music and composers of arias and this one is my absolute favorite, and it reduces me to tears every single time I hear this one. I speak no Italian, and yet, this piece communicates with my soul in such a manner, I can't articulate.

[@juanechaurre6498]

still cry when I watch it. Great Callas Great Hanks Great Washington

[@sign543]

One of THE most dramatic and well-acted scenes in any movie I've ever seen. Thhe dichotomy of the homophobic lawyer who is having a breakthrough, but still looks at Hank's character with wonder and pity. Tom Hanks underscoring the incomparable Callas with his poignant dialogue...this scene is unforgettable.

[@lesblack3756]

+sign543 eloquently said my friend

[@lesblack3756]

+sign543 eloquently said my friend

[@IamKrystalHardwick]

Very well said. This scene could stand alone. It's one of my favorites. Reminds me of my mother.

[@alettakuhlwilm2256]

+sign543 Agree. Unforgettable.

[@portejay]

+Krystal Hardwick I just wondering why do you say that it "Reminds me of my mother"?????

[@russenbaer]

The aria is heartbreaking, and yet the directing of this scene is fantastic, the light, the camera and the performance of Hanks made this part unforgettable. Two thumbs up!

[@littlelamame]

One of the strongest movie I've ever seen.

[@kingskid1985]

You can see it in Denzel's eyes....with each passing second, he is being pulled deeper and deeper into the glory and majesty of this aria and Hank's character's world

[@sammaria2407]

What an amazing actor! 28 years later and I still cry 😢

[@SoulTarot90]

Tom Hanks .... Best actor ever!!!!!! Please God keep him healthy as many years as possible to see him in more and more movies, what a great human and actor!!!! We love you "Hanx"!!!!!

[@evanklein3549]

As great as this scene is, the best part is when Denzel Washington is leaving. He closes the door behind him and then hesitates, almost goes back in to - what? - maybe comfort Tom Hanks? But he just cant bring himself to go back in; despite his being deeply, emotionally affected, he hasnt quite overcome his discomfort with emotionally connecting with a gay man. So realistic........and the best moment of pure acting in this film

[@MambaAllDay]

nailed it buddy. As a heterosexula man, i could relate to denzel in this moment. I was raised in a very masculine environement and i too used to feel uncomfortable with anything that was 'less masculine', and gay people were the epitomy of what i thought was demasculization. Overtime, i learned that everyone on earth is human being who just wants to be loved regardless of sexual orientation and masculinity and feminity is just a subjective label. Love this film. Love brings everyone together. Respect Tom but i thought Denzel outshined him here in this film.

[@hazelkatequinn8428]

Yep! Then, Denzel went home, climbed in bed with his sleeping wife and put his arm around her. I think maybe he hesitated cuz he wanted to thank Tom Hanks for teaching him, through that aria, that LOVE is the only thing that matters...whether you're gay, straight, whatever label or stigma they lay on you. (okay maybe part of him still warred with that, but he definitely was struck by a deeper understanding than he'd had before!) He saw how Tom Hanks felt the LOVE he'd known in his life. That line, "It was during that sorrow that LOVE came to me." And, "I am Divine...I am...LOVE." So Denzel goes home and hugs the woman HE loves. The reminder of what's important helped him appreciate what HE had...and also made Hanks' character more real to him, someone he could care about as he worked to defend him.

[@marcharveybeauty]

AMAZING OBSERVATION. My favorite movie seen of all time.

[@GullibleTarget]

I loved it how when he eventually got home, the music plays again and he holds his wife. Almost metaphorically giving Andy the hug he needed at his most vulnerable. Andy was his friend.

[@barryetherton4889]

I could not add anything to your comment. Thank you for saying what you did.

[@marystieber8535]

Callas, Denzel, and Hanks--how can you miss. I've never forgotten this scene and was happy to be re-aquainted with it many years on.

[@uniquestylist]

Tom Hanks, the worlds greatest actor.

[@NunzioFunaki]

That is the most amazing scene and the best acting of these two wonderful actors i´ve ever seen in my whole life. Love this movie. Love this scene. Just no words to discribe.

[@guschi63]

de las mejores escenas que vi en mi vida... Tom Hanks es increible y la mirada de Denzel como se va transformando es maravilloso..... Genios!

[@bookcreator]

What a beautiful scene! I love how Joe's view totally changes here and how Andy makes it change. Music really does transform

[@Capgungoesbang]

Easily one of the best scenes in cinema. ever. It's so incredibly moving and just to look into Denzel's eyes... as if someone has just lifted the veil. Tom Hanks transforms right in front of his eyes. "I am divine. I am oblivion. I am love." Just amazing.

[@recpeace3]

I have heard this recording of Maria Callas's La Mamma Morta any times...but it had never moved me as it did when I saw Philadelphia...it all made sense..,,i had chills....this is by far one of the best scenes in the history of film...bravo

[@LeeMitchellAcoustic]

Always makes me cry. So heartbreaking...

[@michaelorengo6305]

I saw this movie for the first time yesterday and I am speechless. It is an incredibly timeless piece. I was extremely pleased to see two of the greatest actors in this classic film.

[@minhavida47]

This movie is superb. The friendship connection between Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington characters on this scene is amazing. The attorney here played by Denzel Washington finally understands his client.

[@AtiyabZafar]

And that is how you win an Oscar

[@BeatriceLap]

Definitely one of the greatest moments in gay-themed films. The music, the setting and Andrew's ever-growing suffering suddenly made me forget I was watching "Philadelphia" and thought I was in the very heart of "Angels in America" for a few moments. Unforgettable and forever deeply moving...

[@MulkRaj101]

"I am not that familiar with opera" I became familiar after watching this scene..

[@heuksunkwon6761]

Mulk Raj me too

[@irisbunky]

Such music, such acting, such power. And what a piece of directing by the great Jonathan Demme. Perfection.

[@roti1700]

I love how the camera focuses on Denzel, with the light of flame flickering on his darkened face, as if he is being slowly enlightened as he watches this dying gay man feel the emotions of the opera. To me, he is finally seeing Hanks' character as another human being - his equal - for the first time. You can see his eyes widen as the opera peaks, flames flickering brighter, he's at the point of completing this enlightenment as the opera ends. And it shocks him at first. He leaves hastily after this but as he leaves, there is a moment where you see him strongly contemplate going back through the door before the values he has held over his lifetime to date regain control for the time being. But it marks a distinct change in his character. He goes home that night, holds his infant child and wife as he reflects. I like to think that he was starting to think "Love is spelt with the same 4 letters (Hanks' words to describe the film)... Phenomenal scene

[@Cristobels-Green-Boots]

Almost unbearable... the effect this aria has on me is always a movement to tears - & a feeling of ‘cleanliness’, like they wash away whatever is clouding my emotions.... And I love it where the lawyer goes from Indifference to an understanding of life & love, that he hadn’t comprehended before....& he goes home & embraces his little child... This one scene, with Callas so wondrous, opened the hearts of an entirely new audience! Brava Maria! 🙏🏽💔🙏🏻

[@missmystery11]

So perfect. I can watch this over and over over and over......

[@Russebby]

In the canon of Hanks's movies, this is the scene where he is finally transformed from the comedic to the serious actor. This is where you stop watching Hanks for laughs, and start watching him for the depth of his portrayal, the majesty of his craft, the prowess of his abilities. Even when he does romantic comedies after this, it's not the same Hanks from Bosom Buddies or Big. The metamorphosis is complete, you are watching him going from comedian to thespian, from laughs to Oscars.

[@TartanBear]

I love this scene and La mamma morta. Means a lot to me for very personal reasons. Great movie making set to the magnificent Callas .. bravo........thanks for posting.

[@drunkenkalay]

The greatest movie of all time. These are the movies that are a symbol of iconic acting, and the song STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA - Bruce Springsteen, still plays in my favorite playlist. Great work by TOM, these works are a proof that he is undoubtedly one of the best actor ever lived.

[@lebron1950]

And what about the development of lighting of the face of Denzel. The more he is spiritually involeved, the brighter comes his face out of durkness of ignorence. You're absolutely right - it's a rare event, it's a real artistic achievement of the world level. Thank You for matching the point, which is normally even hardly noticed.

[@dzerres]

This scene brings together perfection in so many areas: opera, Callas, Hanks, Washington, staging, lighting, writing, sound, acting. Each was top notch. It always makes tears well up in me. Wow.

[@giannide47]

one of the best scenes in the cinema...........

[@toscazraikat4924]

Magnificent. One of those movies, with those beautiful and the gorgeous music is why I love cinema. It can be so unbelievably intimate, so almost unbearably powerful.

[@Luilekkerlandful]

one of the greatest and most touching scenes of all films ever... Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, I love them.

[@BasiaN1953]

uwielbiam ten film /będzie w tym tygodniu w tv , nagram sobie /. Obejrzałam go wielokrotnie, a ta scena jest wyjątkowa!!! nadzwyczajna!zawsze mam gęsia skórkę słuchając ..... wspaniała, cudowna gra Toma, coś pięknego!

[@abbye8482]

Utterly beautiful. The music and the beauty behind it. I wish they showed what happened after the song. When Denzel had that song in his head when he went home and picked up his baby, shedding one tear. Beautifully done, beautiful emotional movie.

[@giulioonamor]

ONE OF THE BEST ARIAS. EVER.

[@dottordottor7437]

giulioonamor mo Puccini Verdi Rossini all italia opera

[@learningbeing7608]

al dolce guidami also good

[@johannetessier2767]

Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are the best!

[@Oldsoho]

Almost certainly Tom Hank's best piece of acting. He is a brilliant actor and this scene proves it

[@Oldsoho]

Watched again tonight. Beauty beyond doubt.

[@dougkopecky1]

A "BEST SCENE EVER"! With Tom Hanks' explanation, I can understand what is happening, otherwise, I'd have not a clue. His acting and Maria Callas' singing, WOW! Much appreciated. Understandable why Mr. Hanks won the Oscar for this performance.

[@fanieli]

That's the movie's scene. Made me cry!!! Loved it and still do!!!

[@thedolphin1985]

This is the most beautiful thing that I have ever heard. Maria Callas is perfection here; God has shined his light through her voice.

[@marygoodall9273]

This is the most moving scene ever. Maria Calais Supreme . Tom Hanks played a great part. The love of the daughter witnessing the death of her mother, who saved her was supremely sung by Calais. The Beauty of the song . The witness that God gave his Son . This is where he says I am Love. Beautiful rendition of Puccini.

[@finylvinyl66]

+mary Goodall I agree, but the composer is Giordano.

[@calisongbird]

mary Goodall *Callas

[@sergiodario58able]

Mary Goodall You need to lay off the bottle sweet heart! Hahaha Puccini?...........you mean "Umberto Giordano" Clearly you paid no attention to the video, because even Tom Hanks mentioned it in the his monologue..Where does Puccini come from?

[@fredo3161]

I can't fucking believe this. It's timeless. It's fucking amazing. I cried like a baby when I first saw this movie.

[@colleenmcgarrity9267]

This song, the acting, it's so beautiful. I remember going to theater to watch this in high school. Life changing.

[@stevedavies7722]

powerful acting wiping tears from my eyes as I do each time I watch this film

[@subtractor]

I remember when I saw this scene in the theater. 1994, I was 22 years old, from a small, conservative US town. This was the moment that brought understanding to me. My girlfriend said she thought I was laughing at first, and turned to admonish me; she found me wracked with silent sobs and tears streaming.

[@marie-francebriguet-lamarr6021]

a chaque fois les larmes envahissent mes yeux et mon coeur est plein de respect pour tous ces etres qui meurent depuis trop longtemps....marie

[@TrlrTrsh100]

This is why Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington make the big bucks: because they can make us really FEEL this scene.

[@steinarj4627]

Maria Callas for ever

[@33uptempo]

Two great actors, and great music. Movies don't get much better. (And who gives the thumbs down? One can only speculate about those people.......)

[@elisabetta611]

Eternal Callas! Amazing performances from all three. It's a moment like that that makes you see that opera is larger than life.

[@Donscottmusic]

Such a haunting scene. Tom Hanks is my all-time favorite actor and a very nice guy in person.

[@sylkev]

One of the best moments in cinema history! Love this movie, amazing performances from Tom & Denzel - This makes me cry every time I watch it....

[@Fedeilfico]

Andrea Chénier was the opera that opened this season at La Scala in Milan. I saw it on tv, performed by the good Anna Netrebko and I immediately thought of this scene and a tear gently crossed my face. Thanks Hanks, thanks Chénier and thanks to the great Giordano who brought feelings to life.

[@artdanks]

No 3 other performers could have made this scene as magnificent as it was than the 3 here: Maria Callas, Tom Hanks, and Denzel Washington! They truly made this one of the greatest scenes in movie history! I'm sooo glad they chose Callas!

[@Zskillit]

I remember when a teacher showed this scene to our class when I was 12 years old. The scene has haunted me ever since. One of the most moving, most powerful things I have ever seen. The 2 greatest actors of our generation completely enveloped in their characters.

[@phoenixsharin]

This is perfection. What beauty of spirit emanates through her interpretation of this masterpiece. A beyond soulful performance. I forgot how much I loved this movie all those years ago.

[@stevenphelps7929]

Two of the greatest actors and golden Oscars winners.

[@victoriusBP]

GREAT FILM, GREAT MUSIC, GREAT CALLAS, GREAT TOM HANKS!!!! I AM CRYING ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stevewillo57]

such a powerful scene in a wonderful film, Tom Hanks is surely the best actor of his generation and Denzil Washington portrays so much empathy without saying a word. One of my favorite films.

[@LadyRozdreamer]

Hanks was amazing in this scene! And even though Denzel was just basically watching, you could see through his expression that he was coming to a clearer understanding of Tom Hanks' character. You saw the moment ths became more than just another case for him.

[@vickieshrewsbury4796]

Magnificent.....talent of Tom Hanks....but when I watch this scene and listen to this opera song I feel every emotion of these characters, words cannot describe and then I'm on a "crying jag" for awhile.....overwhelming

[@enricobo]

Oh my God !!! It's really one of the best dramatic scene in the history of cinema. Maria Callas and Tom Hanks are divine . Bye from Italy.

[@tibrjiya]

To hanks is my favorite actor and Maria--- you are just a miracal!love you!

[@ohiojib]

Yes, one of the powerfull scenes in cinematography...the utter despair of Andrew's condition....our glimpse into his most profound sorrow....and Denzel, who is allowed to witness this intimate sharing of grief and hope through the Andrew's interpretation of La Momma Morta. Yes, the mournful aria begs you to cry with it..the lighting, the I.V. the angles of the camera..Denzel's eyes...compassion. Enjoyed your comments MrCancertropic.

[@sharonjensen3016]

I don't listen to opera a lot but when I do, I can't help crying. It hits so deep. Yes, I can hear the heartbreak in Maria's voice.

[@martinep4600]

l'une des scènes les plus belles que j'ai jamais vues, le partage d'une émotion entre un mort en sursis et son avocat

[@CharlieGV]

It'd be impossible to find the best movie scene of all time! There're thousands of incredible scenes so I guess all of them are the best movie scenes... and this scene from Philadelphia is of the best ever!

[@F1KillerQueen]

Power and Stunning performance..... Tom Hanks has always been one of my favourite actors of all time.... Love him

[@c1212]

I had never heard Maria Callas sing before this movie and I have loved this song ever since. This was so touching, I cried.

[@sinthiajarr4079]

its a masterpeice

[@kimintacoma]

My favorite scene in a movie ever. So moving, brings me to tears everytime.

[@adamsochLA]

Directing, acting, camera work, editing and MUSIC .... sublime. How can anyone top a scene like this? THANK YOU.

[@marcelo3791]

You can feel it in Callas voice and you can feel it in Tom's acting... Just powerfull and beautiful. Bravissimi!

[@Norpom]

This scene made this movie that much better. Incredible work...

[@MrDeadhead83]

Two badass actors doing their thing. Tom Hanks (Andy) reflecting on his life in the lyrics of the opera whilst Denzel Washington (Joe) is moved by his words. Andy knows he doesn't have alot of time left and that's why after this scene Joe goes back to his home and hold his baby daughter. At this point, Joe knows how precious and short life is.