Synopsis
A sailor prone to violent outbursts is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.
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Cast
- Denzel WashingtonDr. Jerome Davenport
- Derek LukeAntwone Fisher
- Malcolm David KelleyAntwone Fisher Age 7
- Joy BryantCheryl Smolley
- Salli Richardson-WhitfieldBerta Davenport
- Leonard Earl HowzePork Chop
- Kevin ConnollySlim
- Viola DavisEva May
- Yolonda RossNadine
- Gary A. JonesRelative (uncredited)
Recommendations
- 88
Philadelphia Inquirer
A deceptively simple movie with a deeply felt message. - 83
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Washington brings it off with an unforced and well-earned emotional wallop, and whose strong hand, keen eye, sweet spirit and good taste are reflected in almost every scene. - 80
L.A. Weekly
The film offers an impressive melding of quietly radical images and ideas with, yes, an old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing holiday tearjerker. - 75
ReelViews
There are a few occasions when Antwone Fisher crosses the line to become too syrupy -- For the most part, however, the production radiates emotional honesty. - 60
TV Guide Magazine
But there's a vaguely self-congratulatory tone to the screenplay that's a bit off-putting. - 60
Wall Street Journal
Affecting but formulaic. - 60
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Should be remembered for a pair of performers -- Derek Luke and Viola Davis, whose cameo as the mother who abandoned him cuts through the sap like an acetylene torch. - 50
San Francisco Chronicle
Has warmth and integrity, but it lacks the urgency of a story that had to be told.
