Antwone Fisher (2002)

79% of critics liked it
(146 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(45,711 ratings)

The directorial debut of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Played by newcomer Derek Luke, Antwone is a volatile young sailor in the Navy, getting into trouble for his constant fighting. When he gets… More The directorial debut of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Played by newcomer Derek Luke, Antwone is a volatile young sailor in the Navy, getting into trouble for his constant fighting. When he gets appointed to see naval psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), he begins to reveal the emotional problems behind his rage. Through an introduction to anger management, Antwone is able to confront some secrets of his past and eventually search out his family for a confrontation. Also starring model-turned-actress Joy Bryant as Antwone's girlfriend, Cheryl, and Salli Richardson as Davenport's wife. Antwone Fisher's memoir, Finding Fish, was released to book stores right before the film's theatrical release. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr.
Directed By: Denzel Washington
Written By: Antwone Fisher
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 19, 2002 Wide
On DVD: May 20, 2003
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Critic Reviews

Rex Reed, New York Observer
A fine film that proves the past is never too bleak -- or the future too hopeless -- to discover a productive new life, and a home and family to share it.
Ann Gorman, Washington Post
A riveting story well told.
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic
Denzel Washington gives a sensitive yet powerful performance as a Navy psychiatrist, and newcomer Derek Luke is a pleasant surprise as the title character.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
For sure, Antwone Fisher is corny. But it's corny in a way that a Hollywood movie about a boy who just wants to go home ought to be corny.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
The level of acting elevates the material above pat inspirational status and gives it a sturdiness and solidity that we've long associated with Washington the actor.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Watchful, flinty, unexpectedly vulnerable -- and so cathartic it could wring tears from a stone.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Devastating story of abuse based on real life.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Rings false, belittling instead of honoring its sensitive subject with its twinkly score, kid-glove nobility and cloying payoffs. [Blu-ray]
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
It is to Washington's credit that he keeps it just real enough to move our hearts and our heads.
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
Sails the same route as dozens of Hollywood psychiatry dramas...Its power lies in the rich themes and performances.
Greg Maki, Star-Democrat (Easton, MD)
The most remarkable thing about Antwone Fisher is the real-life story on which it is based.
Josh Bell, Las Vegas Weekly
Yes, Antwone Fisher is a good movie, in the way that lima beans are good food. You may leave the theater feeling fortified, but you'll have a bad taste in your mouth.
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, UK Critic
Soupy and sentimental, but with an underlying belief in itself that keeps the rhythm constant and just about manages to reach the gut.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Mike S

Strong acting and terrific story, based on the real-life experiences of former U.S. navy man Antwone Fisher. Before I saw this, I had no idea that Denzel Washington had done some work behind camera. What I can say now though, is that he ought to do it more often. For his directing in… More
Strong acting and terrific story, based on the real-life experiences of former U.S. navy man Antwone Fisher. Before I saw this, I had no idea that Denzel Washington had done some work behind camera. What I can say now though, is that he ought to do it more often. For his directing in this feature is quite phenomenal, and his acting on-screen just the same. It would be unjust to lay all focus on him though, as his co-star Derek Luke easily matches that excellence. I'm surprised we haven't seen more of him, because his performance in this film is truly worthy of recognition. It's genuine and touching, and his story a highly riveting one to follow. Wonderful supporting cast as well, whose combined talents makes this anything but run-of-the-mill. Engrossing all the way and with a moving and heartwarming ending. Not to be missed if you appreciate great dramas.
Lady D

A remarkable tale based on a true story, I was gripped from start to finish. Derek Luke, I thought played a fantastic part and it was a good performance from Denzel too, who also Directed the film. An emotional account of how someone's present circumstances are a result of… More
A remarkable tale based on a true story, I was gripped from start to finish. Derek Luke, I thought played a fantastic part and it was a good performance from Denzel too, who also Directed the film. An emotional account of how someone's present circumstances are a result of their past, facing your fears and forgiving to enable you to move on. VERDICT: A great film which I definitely recommend.
Red L

My type of movie
Joseph E

A Film that from start to finish has you in it'sgrip, so tight it won't let go and ends up with a bone crushin g ending. "Three out of four" Stars. High Reccomendation.
Lee K

Very good story, will have to watch this one again
Tom S

This movie was good, just too episodic to be great. Was Antwone's story so great that they had to make a movie about it?

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Derek Luke as Antwone Fisher

            Joy Bryant as Cheryl Smolley

            Denzel Washington as Dr. Jerome Davenport

            Salli Richardson as Berta

            Earl Billings as James

            Kevin Connolly as Slim

            Viola Davis as Eva

            Rainoldo Gooding as Grayson

            Novella Nelson as Mrs. Tate

            Yolonda Ross as Elaine Pack

            Kente Scott as Kansas City

            Stephen Snedden as Berkley

            Bob Banks as Horace

            Lynne Charles as Spinoza's Wife

            O.L. Duke as Uncle Duke

            Ellis Williams as Reverend Tate

            Michelle Davison as Johnny Mae

            Charlie Robinson as Howard

            Jascha Washington as Jesse Age 8

            Sung Kang as Receptionist

            Leonard Earl Howze as Pork Chop

            Andreas Patton as Kenny

            De'Angelo Wilson as Jesse Age 19

            Linda Cevallos as Sexy Woman

            Eddie Baccus as Blind Piano Player

            Brandon Biggins as Eddie

            Jason Dixon as Jason

            Fran Dorsey as Owner

            Na'tasha Marie Evans as Young Girl #2

            Margaret Ford-Taylor as Eda

            David Fowler as Chief Master-At-Arms

            Angela Gillespie-Winborn as Woman In White

            Lissy Gulick as Mona

            Cory Hodges as Antwone Fisher Age 14

            Teresa Hoefke as Case Worker

            Doug Jewell as Spinoza

            Kim Marie Johnson as Disc Jockey

            Vernee Watson Johnson as Annette

            Malcolm David Kelley as Antwone Fisher Age 7

            Sean'e La'Dae as Edward

            Brandon Lewis as Ray

            Jada S. Louie as Jeannette

            Mary Bradley Marable as Older Lady

            Rebecca Morris as Anna

            Leo Nepomuceno as SP #1

            Rita Pearson as Cashier

            John Pittman Jr. as Another Clerk

            Timothy Reddick as Dwight Age 8

            Edward C. Reynolds III as Man

            Janaya Reynolds as Young Girl #1

            Ruth Stehle as Snide Clerk

            Cordell Stokes as Keith Age 5
See full cast