Antwone Fisher
Rated PG-13 for violence, language and mature thematic material involving child abuse.
reviewed by Christopher Lyon
Based on a true story, “Antwone Fisher” features lots of first-timers. The movie is the first screenplay written by the title character. It’s the first movie role for star Derek Luke. And it’s the directing debut of actor Denzel Washington. Can all those firsts add up to a lasting impression from this drama?
The Story
While in the Navy, Antwone Fisher (Luke) can’t seem to control his anger or stop fighting. After being demoted, his commanding officer sends him to a Navy psychiatrist for evaluation. Dr. Davenport (Washington) has three sessions to determine whether to recommend Fisher be thrown out of the Navy or given a second chance.
Although reluctant, Fisher eventually opens up to Davenport about his past. Born in a women’s prison after the murder of his father, Fisher was raised in an abusive foster home. After some time with Dr. Davenport, Fisher gains the confidence to begin a relationship with Cheryl (Joy Bryant, another newcomer).
Eventually, Dr. Davenport pushes Fisher to find his biological family in order to further his emotional healing and move on from the scars of his past.
The Verdict
“Antwone Fisher” is an emotional, powerful, and personal story. It has the ring of truth, which is not always a given in a story based on actual events. The details of Fisher’s life are revealed slowly, and the movie helps us to root along with Dr. Davenport for Fisher’s growth and stability. Fisher’s progress and relationship with Dr. Davenport are moving and rich. These feel like real people.
The newcomers all do well. The writing is mostly tight, and the performances of Derek Luke and Denzel Washington are focused and powerful. The storytelling is sometimes too slow for me, and a subplot involving Davenport’s relationship with his wife feels forced on the movie and unresolved. Still, Washington did a great job of pulling good performances out of his actors and structuring the story. The emotional payoff at the end is surprisingly effective.
The PG-13 rating comes from some bad language and the abuse scenes, including sexual abuse to a young boy (nothing specifically shown). Fisher is shown as having an unhealthy view of sex because of his abuse. It’s too bad that the movie points to losing his virginity before marriage as the healthy answer to that problem.
Worldview
As sad and shocking as Fisher’s story is, it’s not all that unusual. Many, many people are struggling with the results of being raised in abusive environments. The power in his story comes from the fact that he found real help and healing through a compassionate counselor and friend. By being available to Antwone and lovingly pushing him to go further, Dr. Davenport helped Fisher escape the bonds of his past.
God intends for the Christian community to be a place where that happens all the time. He calls on Christians to offer compassion, strength, acceptance, and understanding to those scarred by their pasts. Psalm 68:6 says that “God sets the lonely in families.” Real Christian churches should be places where the lonely can find brothers and sisters to show them God’s love (without adding to their hurt).
As one who was violently and brutally abused, Jesus also offers understanding and compassion to the abused. He opens the door (through faith in Himself) to a relationship with a perfect and welcoming Father.
If you see the film, I hope you’re motivated to become a Dr. Davenport to the hurting people in your life—or to seek help from a loving and mature Christian. Helping the hurting should be our reputation as Christians.
Discussion Questions
• Do you know anyone who has a story like Antwone Fisher?
• How did they find help and healing from an abusive past?
• What do Christians have to offer to the abused that nobody else can?
• Do the Christians in your life help you deal with past hurts? Why or why not?
• How can you reach out to the hurting people in your church, school, or family?
Let us know what you thought of this review!
