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Today, 05 July 2008

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It's not often that a film can provide almost as much of a cathartic experience for its audience as for its protagonists, but Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington's directorial debut, 'Antwone Fisher', seems to do just that. A tearjerker of note, the general consensus among reviewers is that this is one film that'll touch your emotions deeply as it grapples with one man's struggle to overcome the abuse of his past, deal with his anger and forge a happy life for himself against considerable odds.

In another first, the film is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher, who, in the film, is played by newcomer Derek Luke.

The story depicts Antwone as a young navy sailor with a volatile temper who gets into trouble for his constant fighting. On the verge of being kicked out of the military, he is ordered to see naval psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport, played by Washington, in order to deal with his rage.

During these sessions Fisher is eventually forced to confront the difficult memories of his childhood, mostly of life with a vicious foster mother (Novella Nelson) who beats him on a regular basis and a foster sister who violates him sexually.

Slowly Fisher warms to Davenport, then begins to enjoy a kind of parent-son bond with the doctor and his wife (Salli Richardson). As he finds the strength to deal with his issues, so does he also find the courage to get romantically involved for the first time in his life with the dedicated Cheryl, played by model-turned-actress Joy Bryant.

You'll find it hard to do without the Kleenex during this deeply sentimental film, which certainly offers an encouraging view of human nature as well as our ability to overcome the worst in ourselves and our pasts. That it's based on a true life story makes it all the more poignant.

Antwone Fisher's memoir, Finding Fish, was released to book stores right before the film's theatrical release.

For more about the film, see the official website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/antwonefisher/

What the international critics are saying:

"Hard, endearing, caring, warm. Bring tissues."
- Ross Anthony, HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD

"That the real Antwone Fisher was able to overcome his personal obstacles and become a good man is a wonderful thing; that he has been able to share his story so compellingly with us is a minor miracle."
- Rod Armstrong, REEL.COM

"It's a familiar story, but one that is presented with great sympathy and intelligence."
- James Berardinelli, JAMES BERARDINELLI'S REELVIEWS

"Crafted with the same measured intensity and quiet authority found in his best onscreen work, Denzel Washington's debut behind the camera, Antwone Fisher, is an emotionally charged true-life story of one man's tenacity and eventual redemption."
- Eddie Cockrell, VARIETY

"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, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

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