Philadelphia: Opening Statements Court Scene (DENZEL WASHINGTON HD CLIP)

Joe (Denzel Washington) makes his opening statements in defense of Andrew's (Tom Hanks) case.
#Philadelphia #DenzelWashington #TomHanks #moviescenes
Watch Philadelphia Now: AAN.SonyPictures.com/Philadelphia
Hailed as a landmark film that dazzles with deep emotion and exceptional acting, PHILADELPHIA stars Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington as two competing lawyers who join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. And as their unlikely friendship develops, their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.

[@briandtnguyen]

The techniques that Denzel uses during cross-examination are effective techniques that are still taught to lawyers today. Whoever the legal consultant was in this film deserves high praise.

[@michaelbuettner1487]

Hollywood writers are amazing, I never watched this movie because the topic made me sick in the stomach, but I think I’m tough enough to watch it now ..

[@patriceaqa288]

@@michaelbuettner1487 made you sick???

[@michaelbuettner1487]

@@patriceaqa288 👍 the thought of AIDS and how they got it

[@jeredsteadman4160]

I noticed that and a lot of her opening statement depending on the judge or in front of would be counted as inadmissible you can't state that something is a fact without previous evidence in certain courtrooms.

[@Ermac97]

@@michaelbuettner1487 So what you're saying is that you couldn't watch this movie because it dealt with the AIDS scare and homosexuality? Basically, you're homophobic.

[@whitedevil2]

i still use the phrase "explain this to me like i'm a 4-year old" to this day because of Denzel's character

[@skelter1153]

Lame.

[@whitedevil2]

@@skelter1153 you're gonna have to explain that to me like i'm a 6-year old

[@drumsticknuggets5123]

Me too - I use it when talking with business partners (I work as a data engineer). Though I had forgotton where I'd gotten it from.

[@thomasgriffin2326]

@@skelter1153 your mom

[@HigHrvatski]

@@skelter1153 Explain it to me like I'm a 2 year old.

[@RR-ey6hc]

I love that the defense starts their opening by stating “fact”, then immediately proceeds to state an opinion

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

Right. Several opinions, at that.

[@jaliaskilo]

Duh….You stated the obvious, just to sound smart… but it had the opposite effect; FYI

[@jamilahparker7176]

@@jaliaskilo and you sound like you were just waiting for a reason to be upset. Calm down no one gives af

[@seanclements6206]

No objections called

[@Shatter84]

It's a bit concerning how many likes and agreeable comments this got. He said, 'Fact. Andrew Beckett got fired' (he was fired). Then he said he had to prove the next point. It's concerning that it has to be spelled out to so many people but it's implied that's when he moves on from the facts to the arguments. It feels like English is a second language to Americans sometimes, haha.

[@TNG173]

Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Charles Napier, Mary Steenburgen and Daniel Von Bargen in one scene. All legends.

[@joelbrian2256]

Antonio Banderas too

[@raphaelmckinney]

And Zorro

[@Beeznitchio]

How do you say all those names and not mention Roger Corman? The guy is a true Hollywood legend.

[@Sbannmarie]

Agreed!

[@MrIrishscouse]

'Congratulations, that must have been a very. . . satisfactory experience.' Denzel is one sarcastic bastard. :-) Absolutely brilliant.

[@martins.28]

I simply love Denzel Washington for his gesticulations alone. The way he points at the defendants is beyond cool. What an amazing actor!

[@KNByam]

Gesticulations. Adding that to the vocabulary. Thanks mate.

[@fergalhughes165]

@@KNByam Mastication is another one, although make sure and pronounce it correctly.

[@KNByam]

@@fergalhughes165 Yes, at first glance I saw something else, I added a 'B' where it shouldn't be. . Lol. Thanks mate.

[@beausorensen268]

@@fergalhughes165 😂😂

[@stephenr80]

As a spanish viewer and since my english knowledge has improved over the last two decades I am even more surprised at Denzel's bostonian accent in his role? Or am I wrong?

[@jasonreid9267]

I remember watching this in the theaters, and everybody groaning at Mary Steenbergen's incessant "Fact. Fact. Fact." opening statement. If the writers were shooting for "annoying" with her opening, they nailed it.

[@tellyshonestreviews1293]

I remember watching this scene, I wanted to strangle Mary for that.

[@4realjacob637]

Her claims about Hank's character would not be allowed in court.

[@jaylockwood5030]

but then we learn that the case was destroying her on the inside

[@marvissmith4588]

@@4realjacob637 she reminds me of the defense attorney in the aumahd Aubrey case. "His long, dirty toenails".

[@PresidentGas1]

She so reminds me of that idiot Marsha Clark from the OJ Simpson trial.

[@Joecbg100]

Denzel can be anyone but still be cool as hell.

[@MetalMilitia072583]

Na, Denzel's just satisfactory

[@Joecbg100]

@@MetalMilitia072583 don't understate him like that

[@0428733]

Hell aint cool, man

[@Joecbg100]

@@0428733 shut up. It's an expression

[@wesmantooth5908]

Do you know what a courtroom smells like? It smells like pine oil.

[@Gonken88]

That's where you're going son, to a pine oil heaven.

[@andrewmasters5573]

Jake! I need that money Jake!

[@MrAledro84]

@@andrewmasters5573 " you mothafucka, you shot my ass!"

[@darkknight17]

Reaches for the shotgun: "Gimme da bitch."

[@stillgotyourmom]

Fits in both movies - "They build jails because of me!"

[@blugreen123]

I love that they're looking directly into the camera like we're the jurors.

[@shanet5604]

The director was known for it,but way too much…

[@smoofsg]

Fact: Denzel and Hanks are the best actors of all time

[@jasonreid9267]

This is the moment when Kruger realized he needed to run his Industrial Smoothing business as a workplace that treated his employees with dignity and respect.

[@christaylor4419]

Kruger, my son tells me your company SUCKS!!

[@dragonoftheeast7572]

After this trial Kruger decided to relax and take his kids to the beach, where he promptly decided to throw George Costanzas belongings into ocean.. This starts another trail.. A trail by combat.. Where the two men wrestled bare chested... Both men now acknowledge that match was a draw and they now can vacation together like a normal family... Thanks for listening

[@TCM215]

Haha k ooger k ooger

[@UxCANxDOxIT]

T-bone!

[@joelgoff6408]

Lol!!!!! I just rewatched this and saw Kruger!

[@BNatoAk]

2 academy award winners side by side showing how its done right there 👏

[@umberct]

I’ve always loved Denzel as an actor and a person. His acting is no less than impeccable. He becomes the character in the movies he has made.

[@wickedwaiata2939]

His acting in this movie was ... satisfactory!!!

[@TheFlyingCougar]

Denzel is a fucking legend. Even though he's done a lot of cheesy action flicks lately he is still my favorite of all time.

[@13strong]

Check out the Tragedy of Macbeth, just came out.

[@sophiapetrillo3008]

The flying cougar. 😂 🤣

[@scuddaent.2095]

Lol he slaughtered the equalizer what are you talking about?😂😂

[@PlanetXerox]

Man on Fire, Unstoppable, and Pelham 123 are fire movies dafuq are you on about

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Honestly though he makes every film he’s in so damn entertaining, i could watch absolute shit with him in the lead, and i have, I mean The Bone Collector or John Q both have very low ratings, but even just mediocre action flicks with him are so damn entertaining, he has good range but also knows to be entertaining in mediocre flicks which is not every actor. I mean he still is watchable in shitty movies whereas other more famous actors can just becoming boring in bad movies

[@MAnuscript421]

-Brian: "Oh, my God. What is wrong with you?" -Stewie: "I swear to God, that was supposed to be Food Fight."

[@MomMom4Cubs]

I was scrolling the comments for just that! Thanx!

[@aznmarty256]

1:55

[@jokeralfeeen]

DENZEL WASHINGTON is such a legend

[@tommym321]

Seven months from filing to completed discovery and then trial???? Philadelphia is an awesome jurisdiction!

[@julianmouton3]

And you need not fret over delivering an argumentative opening statement because defense counsel is asleep at the wheel!

[@caglioso]

It’s not about it being in Philly, it’s simply due to the suit being against one of the biggest white shoe firms in the country, and they used every trick in the book to delay litigation and procedure. A firm that size has infinite resources and can tort someone into the stone age.

[@tommym321]

@@caglioso uh yeah, that’s precisely my point. In No real world would a lawsuit of this kind in a major city like Philadelphia make it to trial in seven months. It would take several years, minimum.

[@caglioso]

@@tommym321 ahh I misread the tone of your comment; my mistake. I agree the scenario would be incredibly prolonged.

[@felipeaguena5289]

**DINGO AND THE BABY! 97.1!**

[@nerdock4747]

I swear to God that was supposed to be food fight

[@natogeo1234]

The "Fact" part reminded me of Jim from the Office, Impersonating Dwight. "Bears!....Beets!....Battlestar Galactica!"

[@jordanking6939]

I like how the Denzel Washington character plays into the emotions of the jury about the lack of understanding of AIDS in the 90's, a lawyer who was fired because his lawfirm panicked, and a mystery element of if his client disclosed his illness to his job or what he does behind closed doors (sexual orientation).

[@lukacalov1988]

Bruh Tom Hanks got an oscar for this but lets be 100 Denzel was the real MVP

[@Falconlibrary]

Denzel alway is.

[@justinmix143]

Absolutely-100% man. And I remember that I felt like that went triple for the following year for when John Travolta was nominated for Pulp Fiction, but everyone knew it was truthfully Samuel L. that REALLY put down the amazingly unforgettable performance for the ages. I guess they didn’t really let go of too many Oscars to non-white actors back then? I dunno. But two years in a row w/ that same scenario was pretty weird.

[@rasheeda1303]

@@Falconlibrary always 🤩

[@tooakki]

Yep, but you know how it is in Devilwood.

[@philipthavenius9801]

Both actors are beyond fantastic actors and did a great job in the movie! I think the people that decide these kinds of prizes are movie snobs and have a very different experience when they see a movie or a series, and in many cases the normal audience would chose another winner.

[@michaelcolello2735]

It occurred to me recently: Denzel Washington has not appeared in any of my favorite movies. Films I like, sure, but no favorites. Yet he is quite possibly my favorite actor. He's riveting. Every. Single. Time. What a gem.

[@Ryan07_20]

I don’t know you personally but Malcolm x and crimson tide are insanely great movies

[@charliep5139]

Damn, who doesn't love a great courtroom drama! Since it's so solitary, you have to have great dialogue, acting, camera work, story, etc, etc, and same goes for comedy! My cousin vinny is still one of my all time favorite comedies!

[@fplbighead1352]

I absolutely died watching my Cousin Vinny. My all time fav comedy too LOL

[@nicholastomaselli7958]

If she says fact one more time I’m gonna lose it

[@Ferraridude13]

Krueger sitting there thinking maybe he could make it 4 times around in the spinning chair if he kicked off the desk with enough force

[@akuma4u]

Fact. A bologna sandwich can be a very delightful meal if youre hungry enough.

[@jfern2101]

Next time try frying it... much better

[@CheerfullyCynical829]

If you're hungry ENOUGH, a piece of white bread with some old butter spread on it can be delightful. The bar can go as low as you want.

[@akuma4u]

​@@CheerfullyCynical829especially if its FRESH bread still warm out of the oven with real salted butter. So good

[@CheerfullyCynical829]

@@akuma4u Well you're right there....

[@wadereardon6483]

Denzel is such a good actor

[@TroubledTrooper]

"Forget everythin u seen in the movies and the media", is a classic

[@jennetorazova]

Nobody can act like Denzel Washington

[@tonibaena7046]

Love, love, love this film, actors, & soundtrack! 😍😍👏👏

[@usadaytrader]

I can still hear the woman lawyer scream EMMETTTTTTTTTT!!!

[@uglybetty8747]

Omg yes XD !

[@deniseevers6798]

I love how this film captures my city❤️. Stellar performances from both Denzel and Tom

[@Sbannmarie]

What to visit a Philly!

[@hermanspencer3448]

this movie is a master class on every level best performance from both leading men

[@chriswesterfield2042]

bullshit, over dramatic Hollywood nonsense.

[@jeremykline6687]

@chris westerfield nah you’re just wrong but good try

[@TheFreshTrumpet]

@@chriswesterfield2042 this actually lacked a lot of the real-life drama and tragedy of being a gay man with AIDS in the 80s, hard to wonder why anyone would think this film was just /too much/ lol

[@CodaMission]

Permission to treat the witness as hostile, Your Honor? He's a dead fish up here.

[@cathyprosser1050]

Doesn't matter the character Denzel plays, he does it to perfection. Tom Hanks too. Gifted actors !!!

[@CruceEntertainment]

My favorite part is when the guy keeps saying “yutes”, and the judge says “Mr. Gambini! What is a yute??” And he says “excuse me your honor, yoouuuthhhs”. LOL. Hilarious!!

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

Denzel Washington is an actor for me, that I easily forget how amazing and powerful he is when I'm not watching him. Then every time I see him in a scene I'm reminded why he is absolutely INCREDIBLE at what he does. Show stopper and scene stealer no matter who they opposite him. Its always been that way, and it will be until he is done. True master of the craft!

[@andywiess3019]

2 of the BEST actors of our time.

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

looking right into the camera like we are jury members is very clever direction.

[@doreck07]

Director uses this technique all the time.

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

@@doreck07 who's the director?

[@doreck07]

@@AlexanderNixonArtHistory Jonathan Demme he uses that technique in many of his films.

[@AlexanderNixonArtHistory]

@@doreck07 I only know Married to the Mob and Silence of the Lambs. Which other films do you think capture his signature cinema-storytelling?

[@maxten]

Denzel's small mannerisms, the headshake and his particular accent.

[@richardwolcott5567]

This is a movie anyone can love.

[@CarlosRomanZ]

every single actor in this movie bet all their coins. There is not a single performance that can be questioned. That is why it was so effective and emotional.

[@poisonpen4460]

“I swear to god that was supposed to be food fight!”

[@shane1489]

Aside from the two most obvious stars here I hadn’t realized how many long time character actors were in this film. I saw several in this scene alone.

[@EyeMixMusic]

It's infuriating hearing the judge's ruling at the end. It's a pretty big leap from "impressed and delighted" to "merely satisfactory", and it's a leap made by altering - not "amplifying" - what was initially said.

[@MaeseSantiago]

Joe's opening statement is so rational, very good one

[@lynncoombs5719]

One of the best movies ever. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are amazing together.

[@arsalan101]

I like how Kruger is paying attention in the jury

[@Ritermann]

I just love how much time movies took to set a scene back then and really took time for each scene.

[@aabidamn]

They still do. It depends on the movie, not about era.

[@arseface2k934]

​@@aabidamn yeah, when we look back 30 years we tend to only think of the best of the best. they had plenty of shit back then too, you just don't have to think about it.

[@rajendranadarajan8931]

Denzel would have been a spectacular lawyer

[@zb3495]

This is one reason I always tell ppl upfront that I’m disabled. Most employers would rather take their chances by pretending they didn’t know.

[@beck4218]

Denzel should have received an Oscar. Best theme song in history

[@thesoultwins72]

@Steph S........You clearly don't get out much do you!

[@beck4218]

@@thesoultwins72 Get out and do what? Try again.

[@alexmendoza9270]

He doesn’t need it it. He’s better than an Oscar.

[@titusmccarthy]

@@alexmendoza9270 He already won one.

[@tyrantgregcagkaiju71]

Fun-fact: Mr. Laird was played by the legendary B-movie filmmaker, Roger Corman. Corman gave many actors and filmmakers their early start in Hollywood through his numerous low-budget productions. Director Jonathan Demme was one of those people, having made his directorial debut with the Corman-produced 1974 women-in-prison film Caged Heat.

[@josibee3238]

And going on to direct Silence of the Lambs, a masterpiece as well!

[@tyrantgregcagkaiju71]

@@josibee3238 Yep, and Roger Corman had a cameo in that movie, too, as well as the remake to The Manchurian Candidate.

[@j92000n1]

Denzel Washington’s performance in this film was so great

[@LeVontrellJones]

Meh.

[@bernieudo9072]

Denzel is the Philadelphia lawyer who saves the day.

[@mariadorantescastillo5231]

So many brilliant actors

[@M0rmagil]

An important movie on many levels. My biggest complaint is the “confession scene”. Jason Robards’ character wouldn’t have hung himself out there like that.

[@terryosinga2155]

it's a domestic movie not an "import" ; )

[@M0rmagil]

@@terryosinga2155 ;P I’ll fix that.

[@mikeg6606]

Wait till you see 'A Few Good Men'! Hahaha Hollywood got to have its "gotcha" moments, even when Denzel said they won't.

[@briandtnguyen]

I agreed with you when I first watched the film. But when you keep in mind the time period wherein it was socially acceptable to be blatantly homophobic, his “confession” isn’t really a confession. It’s a deliberate trial strategy chosen by the defendant that backfired spectacularly. Also, you combine that strategy with his gigantic ego, and you get that “confession.”

[@davidleedutton]

Great cast, and Tom Hanks deserved the Oscar, but Denzel carried this movie.

[@dakritic]

Howard Shore’s score is amazing.

[@NormAppleton]

Mary Steenburgen is a smart smart beautiful creature and she played a total monster in this movie.

[@seraphinaaizen6278]

This clip alone convinced me to buy this movie. I love court room dramas, especially those that show a high degree of legal accuracy. And I've never seen this one before.

[@DavenHiskey]

Antonio hates court...lemme out! and Clara Clayton loves story telling

[@D_isco_D_ancer]

The way Tom Hank sits still watching the woman layer is impressive.

[@sapphirelight748]

I like the jury discussion at the end.

[@tadah21]

I saw this in a theater and now realize how star studded the cast was at the time with minor characters. Denzel should of won best supporting for this role. Tom won best actor 👏

[@bossmodl3thalpoppa484]

Excellent movie! Absolutely ridiculous that Denzel didnt win anything,he was perfect for this role.

[@aabidamn]

Excellent movie. FACT! Absolutely ridiculous Denzel didn't anything. FACT! He was perfect for this role. FACT!

[@elifield7149]

Brilliant

[@torontomunda]

One of the best

[@marvinrodriguez7971]

Brother Denzel Washington is the goat & a legend

[@CPHYSO]

Ohh darn it, now I have to watch the whole thang!

[@SuperHyee]

Thanks !

[@housesg5981]

1:00 Is that Antonio B.????

[@umartariq]

i have yet to watch this movie and now i will

[@harrymaples3040]

Great movie

[@ryans756]

Aghhhh damn it. Didn't want the clip to end.

[@juanch6936]

Love the judge

[@Dr.Kananga]

Denzel is amazing in this movie.

[@TaureanSmoke]

Perfection

[@ekathe85]

I wonder if the "most replayed" mark is because people are fond of Antonio Banderas' gesture, or if everyone else (like me) absolutely despise Miss Conine

[@persiangodlegend8166]

Nah the way bell came and hands opened up this was a classic

[@bonnie3447]

Denzil Washington is a brilliant lawyer.

[@StephenZ827]

I object....he might make a satisfactory lawyer , however he's an excellent actor.

[@calm1047]

@@StephenZ827 you have no way of recognizing a person as a lawyer from watching a movie! If he chose to be a lawyer before he went into acting he very well could have been a brilliant lawyer!

[@StephenZ827]

@@calm1047 he could have been a lot of things...train engineer...garbage man...or a bad cop dealing drugs while ducking the Russian mob...but hey...he could have been a drunk pilot ..we'll never know but you keep up your day job.

[@mkruger3852]

@@StephenZ827 he probably be good at any profession he would choose

[@StephenZ827]

@@calm1047 key words " could have been ". Pretending to be a lawyer or a Doctor or a hit man or a CIA guy..it's pretending, acting, it's entertainment. YOU have no way of recognizing DW would be a good Sub commander either, he's an actor, let than sink in. DW is awesome actor, and I suspect from what I have heard and seen in his interviews an awesome human being. Mind you I'd never want to ride on a train with him. MHO, he's the best actor we have today.

[@Argumemnon]

00:01 wow, I recognised Howard Shore's style immediately. Nice.

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

Savage opening statement from the defense

[@Jimmyfly215]

Denzel should’ve won an academy award for his, and should’ve been the lead

[@wolfganggraham2165]

Damn it! Now I have to go watch the movie.

[@marcy3127]

Denzel is a fine actor, as is Tom Hanks.

[@jimsmith2877]

A good movie

[@SK-bk3yh]

That's beautiful

[@ronniel.7014]

I concur,sir!

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

That type of opening "helicopter city shot" has been replaced by the steadier drone shot...

[@aabidamn]

The jury members all looked at Denzel thinking, "Creasy Bear."

[@specialized29er86]

Bugger now I'll have to watch the entire movie.

[@ophelia_III]

Denzel Would of made such a great lawyer.

[@maryeliason1504]

Oh Denzel. You just get better with age. Thank you.

[@castawaydotcom]

I love court room drama

[@0Chujo0]

Dingo: oh my god, what's wrong with you

[@whitedevil2]

uh, everything that woman just said is bullshit. thank you. - Vinny Gambini

[@ShawnMenchaca]

Got em

[@eduardochavacano]

Antonio Banderas looked so cute in this scene.