After reading some of the other comments for this movie I felt like I didn't have anything to add but another glowing review! Well, I think "Antwone Fisher" deserves every compliment given to it.
Denzel Washington has made a beautiful film. At times it is awkward or idealized, but the whole of what he has achieved clearly overcomes any flaws. The film centers on the relationship between two men -- NAVY psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, played by Washington himself, and a troubled young sailor, Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke). We watch as Dr. Davenport gently pulls Antwone through the memories of trauma and abuse in his childhood into a state of emotional healing. The process makes Davenport face the problems in his own life.
It sounds simple and it is. "Antwone Fisher" addresses the universal human need for love. Antwone feels shameful and unworthy because he was not only unwanted as a child but at times hated and hurt. He carries this with him and it inhibits meaningful connections for him as an adult. What I loved about the movie is that it is so hopeful. The best scene involves Antwone telling a pivotal character that despite everything, he never coped by hurting himself or other people (through addictions, crime, etc.) but instead he's managed to accomplish a great deal. We watch a young man with tremendous potential figure out that he is indeed worthy and capable of finding love.
Washington paces the film well. By gradually revealing Fisher's childhood he lets the viewer really get to know him. Derek Luke has the tough job of being petulant yet likable, and I liked him in the quiet subtle scenes where he had to show a lot of vulnerability. Washington, on the other hand, had less work to do but delivered. (His character is like the angelic cousin to the other mentor-type he played in "Training Day"!)
Great film!
Denzel Washington has made a beautiful film. At times it is awkward or idealized, but the whole of what he has achieved clearly overcomes any flaws. The film centers on the relationship between two men -- NAVY psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, played by Washington himself, and a troubled young sailor, Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke). We watch as Dr. Davenport gently pulls Antwone through the memories of trauma and abuse in his childhood into a state of emotional healing. The process makes Davenport face the problems in his own life.
It sounds simple and it is. "Antwone Fisher" addresses the universal human need for love. Antwone feels shameful and unworthy because he was not only unwanted as a child but at times hated and hurt. He carries this with him and it inhibits meaningful connections for him as an adult. What I loved about the movie is that it is so hopeful. The best scene involves Antwone telling a pivotal character that despite everything, he never coped by hurting himself or other people (through addictions, crime, etc.) but instead he's managed to accomplish a great deal. We watch a young man with tremendous potential figure out that he is indeed worthy and capable of finding love.
Washington paces the film well. By gradually revealing Fisher's childhood he lets the viewer really get to know him. Derek Luke has the tough job of being petulant yet likable, and I liked him in the quiet subtle scenes where he had to show a lot of vulnerability. Washington, on the other hand, had less work to do but delivered. (His character is like the angelic cousin to the other mentor-type he played in "Training Day"!)
Great film!