Not having seen the film in the original theater release, I was happily surprised when the DVD arrived, since this film did not have the wide distribution it merited.

Denzel Washington directorial debut and the finished product have nothing to envy other films about the same theme by more accomplished directors. The film has a very professional look. It shows that Mr. Washington has learned a lot being on the other side of the camera. He brings a different angle to this film.

One of the best things the film has is, without a doubt, the fine performance by Derek Luke. He is an actor who, with the right guidance, will go far, no doubt. His take on the troubled young man, at this point of his life, in turmoil and suffering for a bad hand life, up to now, has dealt him, is very true. His Antwone is a fine portrait of a man in pain who is basically very good and has so much to give, but no one seems to see that side of his character.

At the worst time of his despair, Antwone is sent to Dr. Davenport, played by Mr. Washington, in a very sober, if somehow subdued manner. Because of the angst within Antwone, he misses the opportunity of opening himself to this man, who wants to help, but because of the constrains placed on his office, just have three sessions and then has to dismiss his patient.

Things work out, as Antwone is able to convince the doctor to keep on working with him. Antwone's past is revealed in detail. The abuse he suffers at the hands of Mrs. Tate, his foster mother, is brutal, to say the least. The attempt at the hand of an older woman in the Tate's household of a sexual molestation, gives Antwone a bitter taste that stays with him throughout his adult life, as he has been scarred by the shame he carries with him.

Antwone finds love at last with Cheryl, who is patient enough to make him see a different world by the love she and support she gives him.

The lead performances are very good indeed. Denzel Washington's Dr. Davenport has his own problems too. He is not a happy camper either. He can help Antwone, but he cannot help himself, or his relationship with an adoring wife.

The talent in the film is incredible. Joy Bryant makes a fine Cheryl. Novella Nelson, who is a fine actress is superb as Mrs. Tate, the abusing foster mother.

The reunion of Antwone with his unknown family is a bit too sugary and sentimental, but of course, if one is to believe that Fisher finds happiness at last, one has to accept that part of the film as well.

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.

The story is formulaic and sentimental, but the resolution to Antwone Fisher's (Derek Luke) search for his past is inspiring. The unintended consequences that could have resulted from his goal could have been an affirmation of his fear of the unknown, but instead turned out to be profoundly more worthwhile when Antwone discovered a family he never knew. At the same time, the military psychiatrist who worked with him (Denzel Washington) learned something about himself as well. That undercurrent of Dr. Davenport's emotional distance from his wife (Salli Richardson-Whitfield) was ever present throughout the picture without the viewer ever knowing why until it was brought home in one of the closing scenes. A most telling moment in the picture was when Antwone's mother resisted his attempt to reconcile a troubled childhood past, and he was able to rise above his former chaotic emotions to finally find peace with himself and those who abused him in the past. Based on a true story, one can come away knowing that for some with a strong will and desire to succeed, even the most horrible childhood past can be overcome by compassion and love, and a willingness to change. For those who haven't seen the picture, prepare for an emotional response and keep a facial tissue handy.