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Antwone Fisher on DVD (2002)

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Average rating: (73%)
11123121520411
3.5
 
Starring: Derek Luke | Denzel Washington | Joy Bryant
Director: Denzel Washington
Studio: 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time: 120 mins
Certificate: 15
User collections: Milda's favorite of all times
Genres: Drama
Languages: English
Hearing-impaired: English
Released: 29/09/2003

Brief synopsis of Antwone Fisher

Denzel Washington's directorial debut is based on a true story about Antwone "Fish" Fisher who went on to become an acclaimed writer and producer. As a young sailor prone to violent outbursts, he is almost thrown out of the Navy for repeated fighting. Sent to a naval psychiatrist for help, the young man eventually reveals an abused childhood. With help, he turns his life around and decides to embark on a search to find the family that abandoned him as a child. In the course of his search, his life changes dramatically...

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 3 stars out of 5 Radio Times

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.

Halliwell's Film Guide

A self-help story, of a man who rescues himself from his abused past, that may warm some hearts.

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Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 4 starsAntwone Fisher

Professor Cornelieus from London , 11/11/2003

This is a story of a young man regaining his power after a bitterly

oppressive childhood. But the film also manages,along the way, to be a

powerful advert for therapy, as well as the more benevolent aspects of

the US navy. Denzel Washington stars in and directs the movie, which is

why it garned world-wide interest in the first place. But the real gems

of the film belong to the rest of the class, especially Derek Luke who

plays the Antwone Fisher himself, and Joy Bryant who plays his

girlfriend.

Antwone Fisher is an angry, confrontational sailor who manages to

regain his power and self respect with the help of a Navy psychiatrist

(Washington). The film explores, with the use of clever editing, the

brutal childhood in an abusive orphanage that led to Fisher's anger. It

concludes that nothing is quite as simple as all that, especially when

Fisher is reunited with his mother. The film is at its best when the

dialogue falls silent.

Not quite a timeless classic, not exactly a standard tear jerker, this

film nevertheless deserves to be remembered, if only for its wonderful

opening sequence.

  92 out of 95 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsWhat a Film

A customer from UK , 09/02/2004

Simply fantasic. A must see film, very touching story

  10 out of 12 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 starsIt's all about family so grab your hankies!

mrsdiesel from Middlesex , 02/12/2003

This harrowing true-life adaptation of the childhood abuse and triumph of the one man against the odds will bring tears to your eyes. More touching is it was written by the man himself - Antwone Fisher. Writing as he meant it to be told - I cried and cheered I'm sure in all the places he intended. Extremely well acted and no less a directorial debut from Denzel Washington and relative newcomer, Derek Luke, a natural presence and smile that lights up the screen and reaches out to touch YOU! Supporting cast and the sub-plot of the psychiatrist intertwined, make this movie now one of my top 10 all-time favourites and a 'must-own' for the collection. This film proves that you can overcome almost anything given the opportunity, your own strength of mind, heart and spirit, the encouragement and belief of someone other than yourself. Above all, family; if you had known none at birth, then it's the strangers you discover along the path of your life that makes all the difference. Watch "Meeting Antwone Fisher" in the special features and you will see what I mean. Mr Fisher shows qualities I feel that make him and this movie all the more special. A truly touching and memorable film that will stay with me for a long time afterwards. But make sure you have your tissues at the ready - you'll need it. Score: 100/5 - Rent it today and I mean TODAY!

  8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 5 stars

karlc#1 from UXBRIDGE , 23/11/2003

Absolutely superb movie - me and the missus were hooked from start to finish. I would rate this movie as a must see to any serious movie buff.

  7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
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