Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7903 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-03-15
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 120 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Autobiographical movies rarely get more truthfully moving than Antwone Fisher. The title is also the name of this fine drama's first-time screenwriter, a former Navy seaman who was working as a film-studio security guard when his life-inspired script was developed as Denzel Washington's directorial debut. This Hollywood dream gets better: unbeknownst to the filmmakers, Derek Luke--a newcomer who won the title role over a throng of famous contenders--was also a friend of Fisher's, and the whole film seems blessed by this fortunate coincidence. Washington's sharp instincts as an actor serve him well, as both a subtle-handed director and Luke's costar playing Jerome Davenport, a Navy psychologist assigned to assess Fisher's chronic violent temper. Their therapy sessions prove mutually beneficial, as this touching true story addresses painful memories, broken desires, and heartfelt reunions without resorting to a contrived happy ending. Fisher's good life is worth celebrating, and Washington brings a delicate touch to the party. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Description
A troubled sailor is ordered to see a psychiatrist, but little does he know that this appointment will lead him to fight his fears, face the truth and embrace life.

Synopsis
The true story of ANTWONE FISHER tracks a remarkable young man on the path to recovery from physical and sexual abuse. Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) is a young Navy sailor who is on the verge of getting booted out from the military because of his volatile temper when he is ordered to mandatory sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington). After a few strained sessions, Fisher navigates through difficult memories of his Cleveland childhood, mostly of life with a vicious foster mother (Novella Nelson) who beats him on a regular basis (and refers to him not by name, but by the n-word) and a foster sister who violates him sexually. Fisher and Davenport form a father-son bond (Fisher even adopts the doctor's wife [Salli Richardson] as a kind of surrogate Mum). And eventually he finds the strength to work through his anger and the courage to forge his first romantic relationship with Cheryl (Joy Bryant). Writer Antwone Fisher, making his screenplay debut, achieves an encouraging view of human nature with this story, and first-time director Washington moulds it into a film that ranks with GOOD WILL HUNTING and ORDINARY PEOPLE. Washington demonstrates his ease with actors by drumming up rich emotional intimacy, not without naturally humorous and awkward moments. Vivid, painterly images and the yearning melodies of composer Mychael Danna complete the artistry of the film.

Customer Reviews

Just OK
I had high hopes for this film - and maybe I've seen a lot of other good stuff recently, so it doesn't compare so well.

No-one looks like they are really stretched in this film - and for me 20 to 30 minutes longer than it could have been.

And ultimately it doesn't really feel like it goes anywhere.

I know it's based on a true story and may even be the true story - just because it is a true story doesn't automatically make it a great film.

Beautiful
There's an air of sweetness about this movie, despite the grim subject matter (touches on physical and inappropriate abuse of children, and the former is sometimes quite graphic, so be warned) and it's very difficult to feel pessimistic when watching it. Perhaps it's because of the light humor ("Hungry?" "I could eat."), or perhaps it's the innate sweetness and innocence of Derek Luke, who played Antwone. Probably it's a combination of both.

This is not to say that there aren't some heartwrenching moments, of course. There were scenes where I found myself wanting to reach through the TV screen and give this poor kid a hug. But the overall feel of the movie is one of triumph: Antwone Fisher was an angry, violent young man, yet he overcame that and became a really great person; he was abused and subsequently scared of women, yet he worked through that and found a wonderful girlfriend; he was lost and alone, yet at the end he found a family to love and be loved. Knowing that the movie is based on a true story only adds to the feeling of good prevailing over bad.

Denzel's first film where he both acted and directed, and one that he can definitely be proud of.

tissues at the ready!
Obviously not a well known film, but a fantastic one none the less. I haven't bought the dvd but am just doing so right now, having just watched the film on tv.
Simply, it's the touching story of a young man in the navy, delving into his past with the help of a navy pysciatrist, to get to the roots of an anger management problem. The film focuses on the journey that he makes and the telling of a horendous up-bringing, and in such a brilliant and moving way it leaves you speachless. Based on the real Antwone Fisher's past, the film brings his life to you in such a way you could almost talk as if you had been there - a definite sucess for Denzel Washington's directorial debut! Honestly, i can't praise the film enough!
Just make sure all watching have tissues near by!