Antwone Fisher / Men Of Honour [DVD] [2003]

Antwone's father was murdered before he was born, which was in the prison where his mother was surving time. When we see him as a boy he is in a foster home where he is abused emotionally, physically, and sexually. All of his problems stem from what happened then and Davenport helps Antwone to put the pieces together. But the final part of the healing process is Davenport's insistance that he has to go and find his family, whatever there is left to be found, and confront the last of his demons. At this point we discover that everything in the first hour-and-a-half of "Antwone Fisher" has been mere prologue to the powerful series of scenes that conclude the film.

The story behind this film is almost as impressive as the film itself. Fisher was a security guard at the Sony Studio when his screenplay was bought and Denzel Washington decided to make it in his first try at director. Then throw into the mix Derek Luke, a newcomer who was cast in the lead role and the end result is even more impressive. We are told at the end of the film that Fisher based the screenplay on his life but dramatized some of the scenes, which is always the case, though rarely admitted so boldly. Of course such a comment immediately makes your curious as to what was changed and why, but I quickly decided I did not care. That was because I liked the way the film ended and I do not care if it "true" or not because of the way it rings true, which is what matters most in film. What makes "Antwone Fisher" worth the seeing is the value it places on family, most notably by it absence, but also by the idea that it is out there if it you can find it.

We have all heard the alarming statistics about how many African-American children are raised in homes without a father and the devastaing impact that has had on generations of such children, and on one level "Antwone Fisher" is about one such child. This 2003 film begins with a dream in which Antwone walks into a room and finds his entire family gathered for a big meal. Then he wakes up on the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on which he serves. The next thing we know Antwone is getting into fights if anybody says the wrong word to him. The captain hits him with a list of punishments and also requires him to see a therapist, Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), before the ship sails again. Antwone refuses to talk and in the tradition of "Good Will Hunting" Davenport waits him out. Eventually Antwone begins to tell his story and we learn of his horrific childhood.

Antwone's father was murdered before he was born, which was in the prison where his mother was surving time. When we see him as a boy he is in a foster home where he is abused emotionally, physically, and sexually. All of his problems stem from what happened then and Davenport helps Antwone to put the pieces together. But the final part of the healing process is Davenport's insistance that he has to go and find his family, whatever there is left to be found, and confront the last of his demons. At this point we discover that everything in the first hour-and-a-half of "Antwone Fisher" has been mere prologue to the powerful series of scenes that conclude the film.

The story behind this film is almost as impressive as the film itself. Fisher was a security guard at the Sony Studio when his screenplay was bought and Denzel Washington decided to make it in his first try at director. Then throw into the mix Derek Luke, a newcomer who was cast in the lead role and the end result is even more impressive. We are told at the end of the film that Fisher based the screenplay on his life but dramatized some of the scenes, which is always the case, though rarely admitted so boldly. Of course such a comment immediately makes your curious as to what was changed and why, but I quickly decided I did not care. That was because I liked the way the film ended and I do not care if it "true" or not because of the way it rings true, which is what matters most in film. What makes "Antwone Fisher" worth the seeing is the value it places on family, most notably by it absence, but also by the idea that it is out there if it you can find it.

Newcomer Derek Luke is excellent as Antwone. 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 deserved an Oscar nomination for her very short and almost silent part.

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