Of all the themes that can reach out and push the emotional buttons of the audience child abuse has to be close to the top. Children, especially very young ones, are the universal symbol of innocence. To abuse them is to forever steal the innocence whether it is through physical, emotional or sexual means. Any cast and crew of a movie that decides to take on a project based on these themes are certainly in for a rough ride. There is always the danger of the story becoming overly melodramatic. The emotions required to faithfully depict such heinous actions can be draining on both the actors and their audience. If the actual abuse is too explicitly shown people will accuse the film of being sensationalistic and pandering to the lower level of the viewers. If they chose the high road and only show the aftermath the film may become too heavy with talk and discussion resulting in the audience losing interest. There have been many films that have taken on this subject most are so preachy and lightweight that they come off as an extended after school special. ‘Antwone Fisher’ is a film that may have its share of faults but it is an honest attempt to handle a delicate subject with the forthright approach that never gets too graphic but manages to get the emotional impact across to the viewers.

It was based on the real life of a man who battled the impact of childhood abuse for much of teen and early adult life. As is the case with most biographical movies there is a lot of dramatic license taken in the unfolding of this man’s life story. This film may have less of this trend than usual but don’t take it as the absolute truth. What does come across is the raw emotions and inner turmoil of the young man. It is a story that is at times difficult to watch because of this attempt to be candid. The film was made for an amazingly low cost of $12.5 million by Fox Searchlight Pictures, the independent branch of 20th Century Fox. This is an example of what and Indy movie should be. It is something that from the outset could not be expected to rake in the big box office that a summer blockbuster. Even with that the film was able to return almost twice the budget which is successful by most standards. There is something in the movie that resonates with the audience and draws them into the story. Fox had released the film to DVD back in 2002 right after its theatrical release. The current trend that has been adopted by Fox is to go back through their film vaults to release it again, this time on Blu-ray. It is a good piece of entertainment that will reach out and touch you.

As noted when a biographic story comes to the screen there are a ton of concessions that are required by the studio executives and director. The story is typically taken out of the hands of the person that lived the events and given to a studio approved screenwriter. One thing that sets this story above the pack is the fact that the script was written by Antwone Fisher. He based it on his autobiography ‘Finding Fish’. He was working as a security guard at Fox which enabled him to get some notice for his story. He initially declined selling the story directly to Fox insisting on writing the script himself. Reportedly it took almost four dozen drafts before he had a screenplay that was acceptable to the studio. I have to admire the tenacity that Fisher demonstrated here. Instead of bemoaning the horrible thing that occurred in his life he took control and dealt with his personal tragedy by venting his feelings constructively through his writing. This adds a personal dimension to the story that makes up for a many of its shortcomings. Some stories are just not intended to be analyzed a lot. You have to accept them and allow yourself to be pulled in. This is such a case. The story builds slowly leading to a disclosure of horrible things done to this man as a child. In many cases such heinous things in the past are used as an excuse for everything from being a bully to murder. There is no sense of personal responsibility present. In this story Fisher bravely places his abuse on the line, accepts it and tries to find a positive way to cope.

The director here is new to that big chair on set but is certainly already a household name, Denzel Washington. He has worked incredibly hard at his career moving from a popular medical television show to three Academy Award nominations and an additional two wins. Like many actors he wanted to get into work on the other side of the camera and this first opus is a solid start for this new aspect of an illustrious career. Washington was so impressed by Fisher the man and his heartfelt story that he decided to use this as his directorial debut. A man of his reputation and stature in the film industry without a doubt received countless film treatments for such an honor. The fact that he selected this one proves just how special it is. Washington aptly avoids the usual traps that an actor adding the slash director to his name usually falls into. He is straightforward in his stylistic approach and doesn’t try to impress the audience and critics with fancy camera work and other film school tricks. That would have completely ruined this film. Washington allows the story to speak in its own voice instead of trying to impose his on the production. His leading man, Derek Luke plays Fisher with force and conviction. Prior to this movie he only had a couple of television appearances but bursts on to the big screen with great promise.

Fisher joined the navy in order to try to make something out of his life. He has trouble fitting in and is constantly in trouble for an endless stream of fights and other infractions. His commanding officer requires that Fisher start seeing the on base naval psychologist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Washington), on a regular basis. Initially Fisher is guarded, unable and unwilling of letting his façade down. Slowly Davenport gains Fisher’s trust and the Young man begins to delve into his past and the cause of his acting out. Fisher was emotionally and physically abused by his foster mother. This was greatly compounded by sexual abuse heaped on him by the woman’s daughter. Fisher learns to accept the past and move on. He shyly begins his first romantic relationship with another sailor, Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant). He is ill equipped for a relationship and uses his sessions with the doctor for advice. Fortunately the doctor comes to see this has an integral part of Fisher’s recovery.

The DVD of the film was excellent but Fox has pulled out all the stops with the high definition Blu-ray edition. The video is perfect. If you think that high def is for big splashy flicks with a lot of special effects this will give you a whole new perspective. The clarity is reference quality. The DTS HD lossless audio fills your living room so accurately that you will believe you are in the film. The commentary track featuring Washington and producer Todd Black is informative and entertaining. There are also featurettes on the making of the movie and Fisher, the man. This film is one to get and enjoy.