'Antwone Fisher,' Like No Other African American Film

There hasn't been a film made by an African American and starring African Americans that looks at life beyond normalcy on the silver screen in years. Not since Spike Lee's "Bamboozled" has a film dug this deeply into African American life.

And this time, Lee isn't the one in the director's chair.

Instead, it’s Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, in his directorial debut, “ Antwone Fisher.” The film also welcomes newcomers Derek Luke, who plays Antwone Fisher; Joy Bryant, Fisher's love interest; and Salli Richardson, who plays Berta, the wife of Navy psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, played by Washington.

The film is set around the brewing emotions of Fisher, a Navy man who has felt the sting of child abuse, negligence and loss. Washington looks into Fisher’s heart and tells his story appropriately.

Fisher represents the person who carries baggage around and lets it drag him down. Throughout the film, he suffers problems that plague many of our children. His story is one of life, sadness and the quest of a young man to be free.

The film, a true story, is set in Cleveland, Fisher's childhood home, and in San Diego, where he serves in the Navy. It’s a story about a little boy who was born in a prison and given up by his mother. Fisher's father was murdered and he was placed in a foster home. In this home Fisher, faces the spite of child abuse and neglect.

Fisher soon breathes the smoke of hatred and hurt in search of love, family, permanency and freedom. Through the leadership of Davenport, the Navy psychiatrist, Fisher discovers life.

The acting in this film is incredible. Luke does an incredible job in recreating Fisher’s life. He develops magic on screen with Washington and Bryant.

The film carries a number of running themes, including family, faith, hope and love. With each, the movie leads to a climax that is sure to stun viewers and causes water to well deep in their eyes. Washington utilizes large shots and scenes for explosive emotion to capture the feelings of each character.

Each shot leaves a small memento.

"Antwone Fisher" runs smoothly, with no gaps and the right speed and tempo of anticipation. The screenplay, written by Fisher himself, allows the plot plenty of space to develop and tell the story of a little boy's trek into manhood.

More important is the way the film depicts various levels of African American life, and the strength of the African American family. "Antwone Fisher" is like no other African American film. It takes a look at reality and a quest for life that goes beyond race and class.

Washington carried a mantra on the set of this film that, simply stated, says, "We're doing it for Antwone." In all honesty, this movie was done for everyone who is in search of freedom and happiness.

"Antwone Fisher" has Oscar nomination potential.

This film is that great.

Harold J. Eichelberger is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop.