Release Year: 2016

Critic's Score: /100

Director: Denzel Washington

Stars: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Mykelti Williamson

Storyline
An African-American father struggles with race relations in the United States while trying to raise his family in the 1950s and coming to terms with the events of his life.

Writers: August Wilson, August Wilson, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Mykelti Williamson, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Mykelti Williamson, Theresa Cook, Jovan Adepo, Stephen Henderson, Russell Hornsby, Saniyya Sidney, Toussaint Raphael Abessolo, Dontez James, Christopher Mele, Cecily Lewis, Malik Abdul Khaaliq, Aristle Jones IV, Tra'Waan Coles, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cast:
Denzel Washington - Troy
Viola Davis - Rose
Mykelti Williamson - Gabriel
Theresa Cook - Parade Participant
Jovan Adepo - Cory
Stephen Henderson - Bono
Russell Hornsby - Lyons
Saniyya Sidney - Raynell
Toussaint Raphael Abessolo - Troy's Father
Dontez James - Bike Rider
Christopher Mele - Deputy Commissioner
Cecily Lewis - Praying woman
Malik Abdul Khaaliq - Front Yard Neighbor
Aristle Jones IV - Townsman
Tra'Waan Coles - Towns person

Official Website: Official Site

Country: USA

Language: English

Release Date: 3 Jan 2016

Filming Locations: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office Details

Budget: $30,000,000 (estimated)

Runtime: 138 min

Trivia:
"Fences" opened on Broadway in 1987, winning the Tony Awards for Best Play, Best Actor (James Earl Jones), and Best Featured Actress (Mary Alice). A revival of "Fences" opened in 2010, winning the Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Play, Best Actor Denzel Washington, and Best Actress (Viola Davis). Washington and Davis reprise their roles in this film adaption, with Washington also directing. See more »

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Rating:

First let me say that this is a powerful, engaging film. Seemingly, however stereotypical, the opening of this movie feels like a stage play exposition. Although moving forward I found myself increasingly involved in the life of, to me, a thoroughly selfish, almost despicable, protagonist. Denzel Washington inhabits his role as one would fit into a perfectly tailored suit. The depth of his character fits him like a glove. The dislike of his "Troy' is palpable. It is Viola Davis' performance that gives us any acceptance, and even a modicum of empathy, for his unrelenting dis- likability. Her 'Rose' is a tour-de-force and one of the most honest performances ever put on film.

I personally see it as less a film about a man coming to grips with prejudice than as a damaged child trying to make sense of a world over which he was unable to reconcile his life. In the greater scheme of things, yes, he had a menial job, but he did have a job. He has a family that he treats as possessions rather than people. When his son accuses him of not wanting him to surpass his father in life, there is a validity to the claim.

The direction, cinematography, music and period feel, with the exception of an uneven opening, proves Washington a masterful film maker. The difficulty in adapting a stage play to the screen is almost overcome with only a few scenes playing like a filmed stage set.

If it were up to me both Denzel and Viola would receive the top 'Best' academy awards with Denzel also receiving a nomination for best director. Unfortunately the stiffness of the script, in my opinion, should keep it from a best film nomination (although it will probably get one). As a side note, it seems silly for Viola Davis to be entered into the competitions in a supporting category. She is the strength of the movie and in too many scenes to even be considered 'supporting.'

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