"Antwone Fisher" review

 A compelling chronicle of a childhood crucible

Denzel Washington is one hell of an actor.  It is a lesser known fact that he is also one hell of a director.  While his first feature is a striking examination of the legacy of slavery, it is thankfully not a “message” movie.  The themes are strong and omnipresent, but they don’t drown out the drama with off-putting proselytizing.  Instead of broadcasting the issues with the subtlety of a bullhorn, the emotional and psychological grist is ground within the characters.

Antwone Fisher is an ensign in the Navy with major rage issues.  After a series of sudden set-tos, he is sent for counseling.  At first obstinately silent, Antwone slowly begins to open up.  His psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel in an excellent supporting role) urges Antwone to reconnect with his long lost family.  The good doctor is well aware that self-realization is just one of many difficult steps on the path to maturity.  He urges Antwone to investigate his painful history, knowing it contains the key to Antwone’s future happiness.

Derek Luke’s performance as Antwone Fisher is heartbreakingly vulnerable.  He evokes all the anger, confusion and feelings of betrayal an abandoned orphan would struggle with, yet also displays charm and genuine warmth in his introspective moments.  Antwone has begun to date a young woman (who is also in the Navy) and the humor and tenderness he reveals in their scenes together gives his good side a chance to shine.  Though Antwone has suffered heinous abuse, his humanity has not been beaten out of him.

As Antwone’s search for his family progresses, it appears that the mystery surrounding Denzel’s psychiatrist character and his marriage troubles are going to be left unresolved.  Thankfully, Denzel’s directorial attention to detail doesn’t lapse and the final scene is almost more euphoric and healing than the redemption of Antwone’s past.  The relationship between these two men began as a purely professional and clinical connection.  It has now nurtured powerful and positive growth for both and established a lifelong bond.  It is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.