Navy sailor Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) is haunted by his past and starts a fight. He is forced to be evaluated by psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington). He is volatile and uncooperative. Eventually he opens up about his abused past. His foster father Mr. Tate was a preacher and his foster mother was very abusive. He falls for fellow sailor Cheryl Smolley (Joy Bryant) but his outbursts continue to hound him.
This is Denzel Washington's directorial debut and he shows confidence in his work. It doesn't hurt that he's one of the best actors around. He points the camera at himself and Derek Luke. The acting carries the day. He finds a real gem in the newcomer who holds his own against the veteran. There is a genuine spirit about the characters and the performances. Psychiatry sessions are always in danger of being static and that threatens this movie as well. The two actors generate enough energy to stay out of flat waters.
This is Denzel Washington's directorial debut and he shows confidence in his work. It doesn't hurt that he's one of the best actors around. He points the camera at himself and Derek Luke. The acting carries the day. He finds a real gem in the newcomer who holds his own against the veteran. There is a genuine spirit about the characters and the performances. Psychiatry sessions are always in danger of being static and that threatens this movie as well. The two actors generate enough energy to stay out of flat waters.