Antwone Fisher Details

Actor Denzel Washington made his directorial debut with this powerful fact-based drama, in which he also stars. Based on the life of Antwone Fisher (who adapted the emotionally resonant screenplay from his autobiography), it's a candid and often harrowing tale of child abuse and its lifelong effects. Derek Luke puts in a magnificently compelling performance as the adult Fisher, a young black sailor whose deep-rooted problems manifest themselves in violent outbursts. Mentally scarred by an abusive childhood, it's only when he's forced to seek help from naval psychiatrist Jerome Davenport (played by Washington) that he learns to face up to his horrific past. Crisply directed and beautifully shot, Washington's tear-jerking drama is a culturally balanced film that looks beyond sloppy stereotypes of black society. Instead, it demonstrates the universal values of love, family and friendship, infusing the tale with life-affirming warmth and compassion, despite the odd mawkish moment.

Washington's first film as director, Antwone Fisher is a based on the turbulent life of - one Antwone Fisher. The story... read more on Time Out