Fences (2016)

7.8

Movie

Canada, United States of America
English
Drama
2016
DENZEL WASHINGTON
Christopher Mele, Denzel Washington, Joe Fishel
139 min

What it's about

In 1950s Pittsburgh, a frustrated African-American father struggles with the constraints of poverty, racism, and his own inner demons as he tries to raise a family.

The take

There is a chance we will be known as the generation that perfected mixing the two mediums of movie and theater. Think Hateful 8, Horace & Pete, Wild Tales, and Fences! A movie not only packed with Broadway talent, it's also based on a Pulitzer-winning play by August Wilson. The play element is both strong and visible, the movie is dialogue packed, and takes place almost exclusively in the characters' house, not to mention most of the events happen within the span of a few days. The movie element comes through beautiful aesthetics and rich scenery, as well as some of Hollywood's best talent: Denzel Washington (who is also the director) and Viola Davis. They had both actually won Tony Awards for their performances reviving the play back in 2010. Denzel is a black garbage collector who was once a promising baseball player and a victim of racial discrimination. His psyche is as rich as it is determined and he is used to taking out his deep-rooted feelings of anger on his loved ones. His wife (Davis), his son, and his friends are the targets of this hurt and anger, but they also have a lot to deal with on their own. A beautiful if maybe slow play-movie. Do not watch it expecting "things to happen", but watch it to be mesmerized by the acting, the writing, and the underlying tensions it addresses. 

Comments

Loved this film..

If you grew up with an angry father, especially if they were black/brown/etc – you will find a home in Denzel’s perfect portrayal of the main character. For that alone, this movie deservers the highest praise.

Add a comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

White God (2014)

An unpleasant, bizarre, yet brilliant drama about the dark side of man and his best friend

7.3

Problemista (2024)

Dark, weird, poignant, and funny, this debut feature by Los Espookys star Julio Torres is a modern parable of the American Dream

8.6

Betty Blue (1986)

Artistic frustration is only temporarily sated by love in this erotic, supposedly psychological, drama

6.5

The Beautiful Game (2024)

A heartwarming lesson in belonging and humility following the sports movie formula

7.0

Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)

Imtiaz Ali remembers the Elvis of Punjab in this vibrant musical biopic

7.4

Parting Glances (1986)

An honest, domestic depiction of AIDS and the Manhattan gay community

7.3

Pathfinder (1987)

The sole survivor of a family massacre saves his entire tribe in the first ever film depicting the Sámi people

7.0

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

A star-studded and riveting legal drama with a blockbuster feel.

8.1

The Greatest Hits (2024)

Music prolongs grief in this fairly standard indie romance

6.3

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.