Barnes & Noble

Denzel Washington’s powerful directorial debut offers a tale that is at once familiar and wholly original. Written by the real Antwone Fisher and based on his own life, the film opens at a Southern California naval base, where a young seaman’s hair-trigger temper has just landed him in trouble, and not for the first time. Fisher is placed in the care of a Navy psychotherapist, played with great warmth and depth by Washington, who guides him through a process of wrenching self-discovery, helping him identify and conquer the demons of his horrific childhood and guiding him toward the healing powers of home and family. Washington’s directing, like his acting, is rock-solid and unpretentious. He deftly avoids showiness and sentimentality in favor of straightforward storytelling that is all the more powerful for its directness and emotional honesty. The film treads well-worn ground, calling to mind Finding Forrester and Good Will Hunting, and usually in good ways. Yet the details of Fisher’s screenplay and the mesmerizing performances help make it a uniquely inspiring experience. Washington elicits wonderful work from his cast, particularly newcomers Derek Luke as the innately intelligent Fisher, Joy Bryant as his tender love interest, and veterans like Novella Nelson, who makes Fisher’s foster mother seem especially terrifying. In addition to a running commentary by Washington, the DVD features a fascinating interview with Fisher among other featurettes. David Sobel

All Movie Guide

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

New York Times

Induces the sort of catharsis that leaves you feeling released, enlightened and in deeper touch with humanity. Stephen Holden

Chicago Sun-Times

1/2
A film that begins with the everyday lives of naval personnel in San Diego and ends with scenes so true and heartbreaking that tears welled up in my eyes both times I saw the film. Roger Ebert

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. Rex Reed

Product Details

• UPC: 024543628453
• Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX
• Time: 2:00:00

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Antwone Fisher / behind Enemy Lines
• Soldiers Pack
• Fox Searchlight Spotlight Series, Vol. 3
• Fox Searchlight Spotlight Series, Vol. 2