S.R. Dipaling I ask because I recall when the film was released over four years ago,I seemed to remember that while I was curious about a film that is written by the hero of the story and was pitched as sort of a labor of love,made then into a big-budget Hollywood movie. The ads seemed to tell only a sparse amount of meaty detail of the film,suggesting a sort of "rags-to-riches" or "up from bootstraps" story but not giving much away. After finally getting around to watching this,I now am FULLY aware of why this film was pushed the way it was:basically,there was no choice by the producers or 20th Century Fox,because the story of Antwone Quentin Fisher(played with quiet,almost too quiet,grace and dignity by Derek Luke)is one of great pain and loneliness that cannot be conveyed by a thirty-second movie trailer. To be sure,there's also a very heartening story of success that arises from the film,but in order to get to that,you the viewer need to know WHY this young man's emergence is so special.We meet Fisher as a troubled but basically unassuming and upright young sailor whose been assigned to counseling for striking another sailor,a white one who had mouthed off at him. The therapist he's assigned to,DAvenport(Denzel Washington,also the director)is a no-nonsense guy who understands that Fisher isn't going to open right away,and instead opts to wait him out. Eventually,Antwone little by little opens up about his past(the orphanages,the foster home,the few friends and family he had before the NAvy,etc.)and his present,namely,his interest in a pretty sailor named Cheryl(Joy Bryant,radiant!),and discovers,through both DAvenport,Cheryl and himself,Antwone goes about piecing his life back together to reach some sense of peace,acceptance and even forgiveness.This is another tough film to market(like the Kevin Kline film where he's a headmaster at an exclusive boys' school through three decades,the name of which as you can see escapes me),mainly because it is neither sexy nor sensational,not particularly violent(save a few scenes)and reaches its denouement through very personal,almost cultural means. I don't think it's much of a stretch to say that many people(myself included)have often wondered what it would be like to pen a story of/around their lives and have it made into a major motion picture. After watching the remarkable story of young Antwone Fisher,I kinda feel like he EARNED his right to fill up two hours of screen time,and director/co-star Washington,the producers and cast of this show do that story plenty of justice. Antwone can be proud of many accomplishments,this one of them.

jchiswell I was flicking through the TV channels and ended up on the Antwone Fisher story. for me as a white Australian woman, this really a movie that should be told over and over and over, till anyone who thinks it's fine to treat people different because of color will never treat them different again. it's a happy, sad, heart warming and joyful at the same time. the next time i flick to see whats on the telly, i really hope it;s a great movie like this one was. threw family's falling apart then years later getting together, it's worth all the tears on the way. it does not matter how are we get hit down threw life, as any color of race, we all survive and love the people that are there for us threw the tough times and there at the other end. my though is never let life pull you so down that you don't think you could ever get up again. as life is really way to short. so go and live life your going to die threw the night.

showgirl626 I can NOT believe that this movie does not rank up there in IMDb's top 250. It was wonderful. Yeah, it was a wee on the predictable side, but I was leaning forward in my chair, anxiously awaiting each second of this movie.Derek Luke was perfect. He deserved an Academy Award for his portrayal of Antwone Fisher. Denzel (the luvly luvly Denzel) was B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T! Denzel is another one of those actors that will attract me to any film...if he's in it, I'll watch it. He's a marvelous actor.This movie felt so real, and tore at my heart at so many different levels and so many different times. **********DETAILED SPOILER********* I wept openly at the end when Antwone found his family, and their reaction to him. when the family matriarch opened her hands slowly, extended her palms toward him and said "Welcome," I just about fainted. It was so so so so so so so beautiful.Denzel really did a phenomenal job directing, and the rest of the cast was perfect. Every aspect of this movie was just right.This movie is WELL worth watching. In fact, just go buy it on DVD. I think you'll be glad you did.Highly HIGHLY recommended. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by.

westreal Whatever you become in your life,you must never forget that you have roots.This is the story of true facts that was made into a beautiful and moving movie! I dare to say that this movie is well underrated.This shows us a reality of life...the more evil surrounds you ,the better person you become.Trust in your instincts and be aware that the ideal of life is to live it happy...without grudges,without living "under a rock" . The movie concept is more that interesting...connecting the storytelling with real life events...keeping us aware of everything..from facts to emotions! Bless these people and make everyone happy ! See it,i recommend it to all young people.it's not about racism it's about how to live your life !