Customer Reviews

Antwone Fisher (Full Screen Edition)

5 star:		(111)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

It's a pity this film will be overlooked while the market is being flooded with war movies and a host of other films that cheapen humanity. Not only was it refreshing to see men portrayed in non-stereotypical ways (deep, sensitive, strong and wise) but doubly wonderful that the film featured black men in these roles. I was deeply moved by the story and it will stay with me for a long time to come. It's a story of true courage with not an ounce of exploitation or voyeurism. Stories like these have the power to heal and I'm grateful Antwone had the courage to share it with us.

To be honest, I was a little hesitant to see "Antwone Fisher," the directorial debut by Denzel Washington. Movies directed by actors can be little more than self-serving vanity projects that merely say, "Hey! I'm an actor! And I can also direct! I'm so multitalented!" You can say the same thing about this movie, but you would be wrong. While it's a little sentimental at times, "Antwone Fisher" is one of the most heartfelt and genuine movies of 2002. Derek Luke is the title character, a young and hotheaded seaman who gets sent to Jerome Davenport (Washington) for psychiatric evaluation following a heated brawl with another soldier. From there, the two begin a painful journey that involves discovering the roots of Fisher's anger and, more important, the broken family that left him behind. It's often disturbing to see the psychological abuse Fisher suffered at the hands of his elders, and his strong will and tenacity make him all the more respectable. Luke gives a decidedly low-key yet strong performance and holds his own admirably against seasoned pro (and two-time Oscar winner) Washington. But if I have a slight bone to pick with this movie, it's that its plot has a bit of a "heard it before" feel. Several movies ("Good Will Hunting" comes to mind) have already featured a story about a troubled kid whose life gets turned around by an older mentor. Yet, "Antwone Fisher" earns its four stars thanks to its classy, non-flashy direction by Denzel and a solid performance by Luke.

I saw this movie on New Year's Day and I found that Denzel Washington did an outstanding job in bringing this film to the big screen. The actor D. Luke was phenominal. Now about the movie, I hope that Antwone Fisher's motivation for telling his story is not lost and that people, especially those in the foster care system, find hope. Antwone's story proves that even the worst of circumstances and situations can be overcomed. I cried and I was overjoyed but mostly I was impressed that such a film would be told so that the world can see that there are a lot of Antwone Fishers in the foster care system that story needs to be told. I would also hope that this movie allows us as human beings to check what kind of people are raising our children especially our boys. This is definitely a must see.

this movie is definitely one of THE BEST movies of the entire year...maybe even the 21st century...it's based on the true story of ANTWONE FISHER, who grew up in an incredibly unstable home, and had a very harsh childhood...it shows how he overcame what most would call the inevitable path toward a not-so-bright future...he ended up doing something honorable and worthy...it is a very touching movie, and i definitely had a tear or two in my eye...BRAVO!!! to Denzel Washington for his very successful directing-debut and two thumbs way up to newcomer Derek Luke who gave a surprisingly, one of a kind performance.....

this is definitely one of my all time faves!!!

ANTWONE FISHER is the story of a young emotionally troubled U.S. Navy seaman. His problems lead him to Jerome Davenport, a psychiatrist who helps him realize that his troubles stem from his childhood upbringing.

Get ready to shed a tear or two. The movie could thaw the coldest heart. I loved the story, which turns from something so very awful to happen to anyone into a positive ending. ANTWONE FISHER is a powerful movie, most importantly about forgiveness. Other important issues that get you thinking are child abuse, adoption, and foster care.

Oscar winner, Denzel Washington does an impressive job in his directorial debut. There were many scenes which I enjoyed watching. They included the beginning (dreams of a little boy - check out the gigantic-sized pancakes!) and the ending (dreams turned into reality), which beautifully tied the story together.

Another wonderful scene occurred when the doctor encouraged Antwone to search for his family to find answers to his questions about his family that abandoned him.

My favorite scene happened when the young man finally confronted his mother and her reaction towards him. Priceless.

All the actors represented their parts well.

In addition to directorial responsibilities, Mr. Washington continues to show why he won an Oscar award and is successful in all his acting roles. He had a strong presence in this movie.

Actor, Derek Luke demonstrated why he was so right for the part of Antwone Fisher. He portrayed very real and heart-tugging work.

Joy Bryant who played the part of Cheryl, Antwone's love interest, resembled a ray of sunshine on the screen. The chemistry flowed well between the romantic characters.

Novella Nelson who played the part of Mrs. Tate, a despicable character, deserves special mention.

Although we only see her for a few minutes, the actress who played Fisher's mother gave an outstanding performance.

Everyone should see ANTWONE FISHER!

Fafa Demasio

...i would give this film ten stars even, more if there were a way. I saw this movie when it first came out on DVD in 2003, and i think i pretty much understood it for what it was, but i still didn't feel it for what it was. Then, i saw it again last night for the first time since 2003, when it very first arrived on DVD. This time, i both understood it for what it was meant to be and felt it the way it was meant to be felt. As a young, black writer trying to make my way along the same path that people like Toni Morrison, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, J. K. Rowling, Antwone Fisher and Ralph Ellison have paved before me, it is always a very interesting thing to see such an honest and heartfelt screenplay make it to the big screen. The actors are superb throughout the entire picture, and they always manage stay in character. Just when you expect the characters to suddenly change due to some happy or sad or traumatic event in their life at the moment, BAM, reality is smashed into your face. This, more than anything else in the film besides the truth to the story, made watching it very worthwhile. Because Life often has no happy ending, and things rarely ever turn so quickly in real life, as they do in hundreds of other films. I don't exactly know how to describe watching this film. I'll just say that it moved me to tears several times throughout with no shame whatsoever. I was a child who was abandoned by his father completely, and i didn't have the best family life, growing up poor in a very small town. I loved this film so much that i got a copy for my best friend recently, as a Christmas gift. I thought that he must see it, if only to give him some view of what it was like growing up me or like me, although i know i didn't have it as badly as Mr. Fisher did. All in all, very great film, great acting, very realistc, very compelling, and most of all, completely honest, even when it hurts. Watching this film, you begin to understand that most personal problems stem from somewhere, most likely childhood, even if you've never seen or thought about this before. We are all truly sponges as children. See this film. You will not regret it. It may even help you to watch it. it helped me, after all. It allowed me to see that there is hope, this second time around.

Hawksmoor...From The Bleed

I believe today's society is too reliant on counselors, therapists, and an abundance of Dr. Phils who tell us how to act and feel. But ANTWONE FISHER mellowed my opinion of couches and shrinks--made me better understand how a caring professional can make a positive difference in another person's life.

I was fascinated to learn this movie is based on a true story; I was even more impressed that newcomer Derek Luke, who plays the title role, is an actual friend of the real Antwone Fisher. Luke brings a plethora of range to his character: anger, resentment, confusion, forgivness, integrity, dignity. Portraying a young sailor trying to come to grips with his painful past--trying to control his violent outbursts--Luke flawlessly stays in character, whereas other newcomers have a tendency to overact. Antwone Fisher, as it turns out, is a remarkable human being; Derek Luke effectively brings this fact to the forefront.

Denzel Washington, portraying Navy psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, is superb. Davenport doesn't belittle, belabor, or browbeat his young patient--he gains Antwone's confidence through soft-spoken empathy and compassion. As the relationship between the two men evolves, Davenport becomes a surrogate father to Antwone. Yet Davenport also has problems in his personal life; his friendship with Antwone gives him the additional insight and strength he needs to confront them.

The chemistry between Washington and Luke is extraordinary; the scenes featuring just the two of them are spellbinding. ATWONE FISHER is also Washington's directorial debut; if Washington can furnish such exceptional storytelling right out of the gate, one can only hope he'll decide to go behind the camera again and again.
--D. Mikels

****
This movie was a great viewing experience, based on a true story. It is about how childhood abuse and abandonment affects the life and career of a Navy enlisted man, especially in the area of anger. It is a little painful to watch at times, because as Antwone Fisher (beautifully played by Derek Luke) remembers his pain, you also experience it in a way. Ultimately, however, the effect is not dark but inspirational. The movie is about how Antwone struggles to be strong and to overcome his past---this struggle, to one degree or another, is one we all can identify with.

The acting was wonderful and the writing was also. The special features that came on the DVD version I bought (widescreen version) included information and a feature about the real Antwone Fisher. After he left the Navy, he was a security guard. A producer discovered his background, believed in him, and supported him in writing the screenplay himself. So the film is especially poignant in that it was written by the man who experienced it, one who does not have a writing background or college degree, yet who writes movingly, realistically, and wonderfully.

Although the subject is serious, the film does not leave you with a depressing feeling, but encouraged and uplifted about the human experience. I would have given it five starts, but I save that rating for "great" movies; although this movie was not great, it was moving and very worthwhile to watch and own.
****

All I can say is: Thank you, Antwone, for sharing your life with us, and thank you, Denzel, for bringing this story to the theater. You have made a huge difference in my own life, and I wish I could thank you personally.

As a child, I suffered much of the same abuse (though not so violent) and loneliness that Antwone experienced. It has been a long and difficult journey for me to move towards health. I did not make it as quickly as Antwone did.

What this movie did for me was to help me face again some of my old pain, but also, like Antwone in the movie, to see that I have finally found my own "Welcome Home" family in my two children, my two "in-law" children, their families, and my new grandson.

Based on a true story, ANTWONE FISHER is about an enlisted sailor stationed aboard one of the Navy's assault helicopter carriers based in San Diego, and whose internalized anger surfaces through repeated brawls with his shipmates. Ordered into psychiatric evaluation, Fisher must either spill his guts or face almost certain discharge. The only good thing in Fisher's life is his growing attraction to a female sailor, who works in the post exchange.

Newcomer Derek Luke is so excellent as Antwone that an Oscar nomination wouldn't surprise. Denzel Washington directs; he also acts in a rare supporting role as the Navy shrink, Dr. Jerome Davenport, who discovers early on that Fisher's rage is rooted in his family ties, or rather their absence. Antwone's father was killed two months before his birth, the latter event taking place inside a prison where his mother was incarcerated. Once released, she never claimed custody of her child, but left him to languish under cruel physical and sexual abuse in a foster home. Fisher literally dreams of a big, loving family that sits him down at the head of a bounteous table and serves him his favorite comfort food - pancakes.

The pretty Joy Bryant is sweet and charming as Petty Officer Second Class Cheryl, who supports and loves Antwone through some difficult moments. (I don't remember enlisted WAVES like this during my Navy service! Maybe I should re-up for another 4-year hitch.)

Despite the inordinate amount of hype surrounding this film, it seemed a fairly ordinary plot as I sat and watched it. We've seen this before: disturbed young man is snapped out of it by a caring head doctor and the attentions of a good woman. Stifled yawn - 4 stars. But then the last 20 or so minutes kicked in. It woke me up.

For me, the most powerful scene was Antwone's poignant and powerful declaration to Eva (Viola Davis). You'll know it when you see it, and understand why. Take a hankie. And Davis deserves an Oscar nomination for her very short and almost silent part.

And finally, there's the big question. Does Antwone get his pancakes?