Stars: Derek Luke, Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant, Salli Richardson, James Brolin

Director: Denzel Washington

Summary: A sailor with anger management issues is sent to see a psychiatrist.

The true story of ANTWONE FISHER tracks a remarkable young man on the path to recovery from physical and sexual abuse. Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) is a young Navy sailor who is on the verge of getting booted out from the military because of his volatile temper when he is ordered to mandatory sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington). After a few strained sessions, Fisher navigates through difficult memories of his Cleveland childhood, mostly of life with a vicious foster mother (Novella Nelson) who beats him on a regular basis (and refers to him not by name, but by the n-word) and a foster sister who violates him sexually. Fisher and Davenport form a father-son bond (Fisher even adopts the doctor's wife [Salli Richardson] as a kind of surrogate Mum). And eventually he finds the strength to work through his anger and the courage to forge his first romantic relationship with Cheryl (Joy Bryant). Writer Antwone Fisher, making his screenplay debut, achieves an encouraging view of human nature with this story, and first-time director Washington moulds it into a film that ranks with GOOD WILL HUNTING and ORDINARY PEOPLE. Washington demonstrates his ease with actors by drumming up rich emotional intimacy, not without naturally humorous and awkward moments. Vivid, painterly images and the yearning melodies of composer Mychael Danna complete the artistry of the film.

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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

Aspect Ratio:	2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen, 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Audio Commentary By Denzel Washington And Producer Todd Black, Meeting Antwone Fisher Featurette, Making Of Antwone Fisher Featurette, Hollywood And The Navy Featurette
Year:	2002
Release Date:	March 15, 2004
Runtime:	120 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	23786 D V D
Keywords:	Off, General, Fisher, Wide, Screen, Drama, Schedule, Antwone
Genre:	Drama