Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 14:01:30

The most heartfelt film of 2003

Antwone Fisher tells the real life story of the title character. A young black navy seaman faces his tough and miserable past with the help of a caring navy psychologist and then sets out to change his situation by confronting his inner struggles and finding the love of the family that he never knew. The film is beyond brilliant. Denzel Washington, hot off of his Oscar winning performance in Training Day, scores big with Antwone Fisher. He not only stars as the psychologist, but directs this flawless drama in his first ever debut in the director's chair. Derek Luke, a name that is destined to shine in years to come, portrays Fisher with such conviction that he successfully steals the show in the scenes he's in with Denzel. The film is very heartfelt. It will bring tears to your eyes.A very recommended movie.A+

sheltiesrule 2012-05-25 01:16:59

Awesome Movie about overcoming adversity and standing tall

I just watched Antwone Fisher on BRAVO. What an awesome movie andincredible young man. This movie is a must see for anyone who isdealing with how to overcome childhood abuse and abandonment as anadult. Denzel Washington puts in an outstanding performance as well asthe young man who plays Antwone Fisher. Kleenex alert--Feel good andtearful. The most heartrending moment is when he finally meets hismother, who he was taken away from at 2 months of age. And one of themost courageous was when he stood up to his abusive foster mother andsister. I saw this movie on Bravo in 2008 and only wish I had knownabout it years ago. Definitely a movie to add to my DVD collection.

2012-05-18 00:07:02

One Of Life's Lessons

I hesitated in seeing this movie since I really prefer the lighter stuff eg. action/adventure/martial arts and so on. I try to avoid the heavy emotional films. However I'm glad I finally decided to see it. It tells the story of an ill tempered Navy seaman and his struggles to cope with the result of a childhood full of abandonment, rejection and abuse. Unwilling to admit to himself that he needs to get quite a few thing out of his system he repeatedly embarks on behavioural patterns that gets him into trouble with Navy authorities. Things start to unravel when he is ordered to have psychiatric sessions. I love this story since it shows that running away from problems is not going to solve them and that it's never too late to try and get help. Truly a touching story that teaches us some of life's many lessons

2012-05-17 09:43:56

A great story...a great movie..what more do you need?

Having benefited from obtaining a copy of this movie, before it's release to DVD, I'm pleased to say how much I have enjoyed this movie. I missed it in the theaters, so viewing it at home was a treat for me. Derek Luke does a smashing job as Antwone Fisher, and Denzel is as at home in this role, as he is in any other. This film marked Denzel's dirctorial debut, and I must say that he did a great job.Based on the true events in the incredible story of Antwone Fisher, this movie is definitely one of the best films I've seen in quite awhile. You can't helped but be drawn into the movie, wanting to discover more of Fisher's story as he struggles to tell all to his shrink. This is a very short review, and I won't go into a whole much, but needless to say, this was a great movie, and the DVD boasts a full commentary and a making of to boot. Good stuff

2012-05-13 10:04:35

Healing a Sensitive and Talented Young Man - Very Good!

This is a very moving movie. I did not have any idea that it was in any way biographical until the end of the film. Who knows how much license has been taken and who cares. Derek Luke does a great job in portraying a talented and sensitive young man whose harsh life has trained him to lash out as his only means of protection. Denzel Washington, whom I can never not enjoy on screen, is naval doctor Jerome Davenport who is assigned to decide of Fisher should be discharged from the Navy as unfit after yet another brawl. Davenport and Fisher develop a close relationship in a way that becomes rewarding but limiting for both, but Dr. Davenport has the professionalism to urge Fisher to seek out his real family. Fisher does and learns a lot about himself and gains some healing connections with his life. Denzel Washington also directed this movie and I think he did a fine job. This is a good movie for young people (if not children) to watch. It can teach adolescents something about the problems and emotions they are facing.

back2wsoc 2012-05-12 20:38:41

Washington's directorial debut is triumphant psychological drama

"Antwone Fisher" marks two time Oscar-winner Denzel Washington's first shotat directing. The based-on-fact story, written by the real-life Fisher,chronicles his early days in the Navy, where his deeply rooted childhoodtrauma resurfaces and threatens to put his career in jeopardy. He isreferred to Naval psychiatrist Lt. Jerome Davenport (Washington) who helpsthe reluctant Fisher come out of his shell and deal with his problems,including finding the family he never knew. A refreshingly stark andwell-acted film that dosen't purport to "ghettoizing" the problems of Blacksand certainly dosen't stereotype them, either. Intelligent direction,writing and performances (notably by newcomer Derek Luke as Fisher, withsensitive support by Joy Bryant as his girlfriend, Cheryl) make "AntwoneFisher" an unforgettable movie experience. ***1/2 of ****

khristeenejoie 2012-05-12 14:36:13

The summary? Search the net...

This movie is Great! It touched my stone cold heart. I couldn't relateabout the racial discrimination that Antwone has experienced becauseI'm living in my own country. I guess it is really hard to bediscriminated.We watched this film in our sociology class in New Era University,and Ididn't knew that It was a true story, I thought it was just created byan intellectual who want to bring a fresh air in the industry. It isvery good.The part that shocked me was when Nadine abused Antwone (who was justsix) sexually. If I were on his shoes, I could have jumped a ten-storyhigh building. I salute him for he being so strong!The scene that touched me here is when Antwone finally saw his motherEva face to face. He did not bitched her or whatever,instead he toldher about the achievements that he got within the long years that theyhave been separated. (I think I'll do that when I get the chance oftracing my roots.)

Thomas Delapa 2012-05-12 02:43:40

Sails the same route as dozens of Hollywood psychiatry dramas...Its power lies in the rich themes and performances.

Tony Toscano 2012-05-11 03:39:07

...an extremely touching story

jkeen 2012-05-10 10:23:46

Don't Let the Ad Campaign Turn You Away from This Movie!

I have seen most of the highly regarded end-of-2002 movies and I recommend"Antwone Fisher" above almost all of them. I was tremendously impressedbyDenzel Washington's directorial debut, particularly the restraint he chosein cinematic elements such as editing and music scoring. The sparing,deliberate use of music on the sound track, for instance, contrastsfavorably with the excessive use of music in both Martin Scorcese's "Gangsof New York" and Spike Lee's "25th Hour" (both directors whom I like, bytheway). Washington elicits a strong and -- once again -- restrainedperformance from newcomer Derek Luke.I would also like to commend the film for the best cinematic depiction ofapsychotherapeutic relationship in many years -- and I say that as someonewho works with many psychiatrically damaged young men with angermanagementproblems.Some have criticized "Antwone Fisher" as a "male weepie." I feel thatthisis a movie that could have been done with over-the-top sentimentality, butthat the restraint which Washington shows in all aspects prevents thatfromhappening. Did start to shed tears at the end of the movie? You bet Idid-- but those tears were very well earned.The distributors of "Antwone Fisher" have chosen to promote it with an adcampaign which stresses its inspirational value. In the New York Timesyesterday, the movie was advertised with a blurb from Martin Luther KingIII. While I think this campaign is probably good at reaching what, intoday's political context, one would think of as "Antwone Fisher's"'natural' audience -- the churchgoing African-American middle class -- Ifear that it may turn off many people who ought to go see this film. Manyof my friends have shied away from it because they are afraid they will bepreached to by this movie; they don't like to see a movie because the sonofa secular saint tells them it's wholesome and good forthem.So I say to all of you who are *not* in the above demographic: Go and seeAntwone Fisher because it is a great motion picture! It's better thanGangsof New York. It's better than 25th Hour. It's better than About Schmidt.It's better than Catch Me If You Can. It's better than Adaptation. It'sbetter than Chicago. The only other movie in current release which Iunconditionally recommend is Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her. So go and seeAntwone Fisher.

Jeffrey Overstreet 2012-05-08 04:58:39

It is to Washington's credit that he keeps it just real enough to move our hearts and our heads.

Marshall Fine 2012-05-07 18:13:27

It is a movie that leaves you feeling uplifted, even if the actual telling of the story feels mundane.

Jonathan R. Perry 2012-05-01 22:09:33

Denzel Washington's directorial debut reveals a capable -- if often alarmingly low-key -- presence behind the lens.

manzarali 2012-05-01 16:17:32

Antwone Fisher Film

I am a great fan of movies that tell a good story and especially ofthose that are based on fact. Antwone Fisher is a picture I had seenadvertised a number of times in my TV guide. I finally watched it thisAM of 110/27-05. I found it most interesting, heart warming and attimes very sad. Denzel Washington, who I have always admired for hiswork, did a superb job at this his first directorship. This young manDerek Luke was superb and believable in his portrayal of AntwoneFisher. Every scene he was in was excellent. He, Derek, should have wonan Oscar for his role. This This film is good as another film that Ithought was excellent which was The Prince of Tides with Nick Nolte.Nick should have won an Oscar as well. I number this film as one of myall time favorites. I do not even like mentioning this but I have to in order that you getan idea of your viewing audience. I am a white male 69 years old. Mysiblings and I grew up very poor and I do mean very poor in the 30'sand 40's in Detroit so I know what poor is about. But, I and mysiblings had many advantages that this little boy Antwone did not. Ourfather was an alcoholic and never home. Our Mother worked herself todeath raising seven children and in the 30's and 40's that was not easytask. We spent some time in an orphanage which was not much fun but wewere still all together and eventually back with our mother. I am so happy that Antwone was able to weather the storm and become theyoung man that he is.There is a poem about a little boy that I would dearly love to have acopy of. This poem was read by Denzel's character and then finished byDerek's character. If I could find out how to get I would be verygrateful.Thank you for a superb film.Sincerely, Thomas D. Eby White Lake, Michigan manzarali@earthlings.net

Ralph Michael Stein 2012-05-01 01:33:41

"Antwone Fisher": A Film the Navy Could Get Behind

Several years ago the Navy kept a studied distance away from the making of"Men of Honor," a film based on the experiences of the service's first blackmaster chief diver's struggle to overcome virulent racism. Ever eager tosupport films showing our Navy's best side the U.S.S. Nimitz and twohelicopter assault carriers, with supporting shore installations, wereprovided to complement this engrossing tale of a young sailor's battle withuncontrollable rage. Some of the movie was shot aboard the U.S.S. BelleauWood.Antwone Fisher wrote the script for Denzel Washington's director's debut inwhich he stars as a Navy psychiatrist treating Fisher, played effectivelyand deeply by Derek Luke.Fisher is an obviously bright enlisted man assigned to the U.S.S. BelleauWood (LHA-3), a front line helicopter assault platform. Fisher can't seemto avoid launching his own assaults at minimal provocation from his fellowenlisted men. Sent to the M.D. as part of a possible pre-separationproceeding, Fisher slowly opens up to the black psychiatrist, revealing anawful childhood of great neglect and shuddering brutality.The story develops as Fisher cautiously but increasingly trusts his doctorand gets the courage to pursue a love interest, an enlisted sailor namedCheryl, played by a stunningly beautiful Joy Bryant.Fisher reluctantly engages with the doctor by asking long simmeringquestions but soon realizes he must seek the answers, however painful, inorder to grow and move away from conflict-seeking destructivebehavior.While all the main characters are black, this story transcends race whileunflinchingly showing the evil of exuberant religiosity and concomitanthypocrisy in foster family settings. Viola Davis, a versatile actress seenin a number of recent films, is a picture of sullen immorality but isnothing compared to foster mom, Mrs. Tate (Novella Nelson), who in short butsearing scenes would earn - if it existed - the Oscar for gut-churningbrutality.Films about patient-therapist interaction follow a certain predictability(all that transference and counter-transference stuff) but the earnestnessof Fisher and his doctor/mentor is realistically gripping. It's a goodstory, well told. Period.While set in the Navy, "Antwone Fisher" is not in any real sense a servicestory as was "Men of Honor," an excellent movie that dealt with crushingracism directed against a real person. Nor is it truly a film about blacks. It's about surviving terrible childhood experiences and, as Fisher says,being able to proclaim in adulthood that the victim is still "standingtall." The persecutors shrink in size and significance as a brave andstrong young man claims his right to a decent life with the aid of a caringdoctor.My only quibble is that Washington is a lieutenant commander but isaddressed as commander. With all the Navy support people listed in the endcredits, someone should have told Director Washington that his character,like all naval officers below the rank of commander, is addressed as"Mister." Not a big criticism, is it? :)I don't know why this film is playing in so few theaters. It deserves widedistribution. Derek Luke may well get an Oscar nomination.8/10.

2012-04-30 15:44:58

Triumphant

During our personal development, it is connectedness to family, tribe, and community that gives us the sense of identity we use to go out in the world and build the critical inter-personal relationships with other individuals that give meaning to our lives. The beauty of Fisher's screenplay is the story of a young man who must struggle, without those essential building blocks, to first construct a critical interpersonal relationship with his doctor in order to then find missing wider connectedness with family, tribe, and community, and to replace with a sense of identity what was disconnection and anger. It is no accident that the story is set against the backdrop of military life. Too often, stories about Service life are about combat and the bonds formed under its strain. The reality is that peace-time prevails. And in the male dominated world of the military, the relationships men form with other men--full of intense bonding and love of the nonromantic kind--become the connections that resonate with them for the rest of their lives. Washington's character, the physician, is also dealing with personal issues; and it is his evolving relationship with patient that makes him, by his own admission, a better individual and healer. Is this film a story of personal courage; human connectedness; identity; or of a loving relationship? It is all of these, but mostly the story of a young man who discovers in one such loving relationship the strength to go out in the world and find family, place, and self. Antwone Fisher is told with an intelligence, emotionalism, and humility that should resonate with all viewers regardless of culture, sex, age, or military service. If the film doesn't emotionally connect with you on any level, you ought to check your pulse, because you may just not have a heart. Though it received a long list of awards, the film did not garner even one Oscar nomination, including screenplay, which is a stunning indictment of the Academy Awards. The Academy may not have agreed, but the film's outstanding critical and popular reviews affirm that Antwone Fisher is a triumphant cinematic experience not to be missed.

Jeremiah Kipp 2012-04-26 19:50:16

A portrait of suffering and redemption for its own sake, Antwone Fisher arouses only shallow pity.

JC 2012-04-26 02:52:52

Awesome acting corny at some points

The movie was cast very well. All actors played their parts to a T. The story was compelling and paced well. My only complaint was some scenes probably could have been shortened and seemed a little corny, especially near the end. Seemed to be pushing a little too hard for the classic happy Hollywood ending, but definitely well worth watching.Similar in many ways to Goodwill hunting yet still an original story.

2012-04-24 16:42:15

excellent

this video is excellent. based on a true story, it brings out the vulnerability of a caring psychiatrist (Washington) when faced with a hurt and determined young man (Luke). I've used it to teach teens about learning and trauma.

Ernest Hardy 2012-04-24 02:59:55

Offers an impressive melding of quietly radical images and ideas with, yes, an old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing holiday tearjerker.