Product Details

• Actors: Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges
• Directors: Denzel Washington
• Writers: Antwone Fisher
• Producers: Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher, Chris Smith, Gina White, Nancy Paloian
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Language: English, Japanese
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: May 20, 2003
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (158 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00008K7AR
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,011 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Autobiographical movies rarely get more truthfully moving than Antwone Fisher. The title is also the name of this fine drama's first-time screenwriter, a former Navy seaman who was working as a film-studio security guard when his life-inspired script was developed as Denzel Washington's directorial debut. This Hollywood dream gets better: unbeknownst to the filmmakers, Derek Luke--a newcomer who won the title role over a throng of famous contenders--was also a friend of Fisher's, and the whole film seems blessed by this fortunate coincidence. Washington's sharp instincts as an actor serve him well, as both a subtle-handed director and Luke's costar playing Jerome Davenport, a Navy psychologist assigned to assess Fisher's chronic violent temper. Their therapy sessions prove mutually beneficial, as this touching true story addresses painful memories, broken desires, and heartfelt reunions without resorting to a contrived happy ending. Fisher's good life is worth celebrating, and Washington brings a delicate touch to the party. --Jeff Shannon

From The New Yorker

"Oprah" for men. Fisher's horrific childhood-he was abandoned by his mother and then sexually molested in his Cleveland foster home-gets the full Hollywood treatment in Denzel Washington's directorial début. The self-congratulatory autobiographical script, written by Fisher, concentrates on his relationship with a psychologist (played by Washington) who provides him with the key to conquering his past. Derek Luke, as the title character, and Joy Bryant, as his love interest, give performances that raise the film above its inspirational message, but just barely. Washington directs in his own image-the movie is sturdy and handsomely made, but lacks grit and complexity. -Bruce Diones
Copyright © 2006 The New Yorker

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible film, December 28, 2002

By A Customer

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.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Facing the Past and Confronting Inner Demons., June 1, 2003

By 

The Groove (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antwone Fisher (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

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.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story worth telling - I loved it, January 3, 2003

By 

Wanda Robinson (Stevenson Ranch, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.