Antwone Fisher

2002 Drama

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.

Director: Denzel Washington

Starring: Derek Luke,Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant, Salli Richardson, Earl Billings

Reviews

  • Antwone Fisher has a confrontation with his past, and a speech to the mother who abandoned him, and a reunion with his family, that create great, heartbreaking, joyous moments.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • An assured directorial debut that goes straight for the tear ducts.

    Desson Thomson - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • Blessedly free of the self-righteous histrionics and sentimentality that so often cheapen powerful personal stories.

    Ann Hornaday - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • Intense but dignified.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • The uniformly fine performances are a tribute to Washington, who plays the shrink with his customary command.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Antwone Fisher

    American Screenwriters Association (2004)

  • Best Actor

    BET Awards (2003)

  • Best Breakthrough Performance - Viewer's Choice

    Black Reel Awards (2003)

  • Denzel Washington

    Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2003)

  • Most Promising Performer

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2003)