Fences (2016)

“Fences” stars Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jovan Adepo.  Released on December 16, 2016, the film is about a family man who faces racial issues in 1950s Pittsburgh.

The film is directed by Denzel Washington, who also directed Antwone Fisher and The Great Debaters, and it is based on the 1983 play of the same name by August Wilson, who also wrote the film’s screenplay.  This is the third film that has Washington serving as both a director and an actor.  With 2016 drawing to a close, it’s only fair that I see at least one or two films that are nominated for Golden Globes.  I haven’t actually heard of the play that it’s based on, to be honest, but I’m seeing it anyway because it has Denzel Washington in it.  How can you not be excited for a film that has Washington in it?  This film has been nominated for only two Golden Globe awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Davis, but does it deserve more?  Yes, yes it does.

Not only was it well-crafted and strong, but it’s also heartbreaking.  As soon as the first few minutes of the film started playing, I was immediately engaged.  This film is filled with dialogue-driven scenes, but Washington found a way for these scenes to be compelling and thoughtful without missing a single beat.  The dialogue between the characters were either fun to listen to or just plain remarkable.  Washington and Davis delivered some fantastic chemistry as a couple whose marriage is threatened due to the husband’s beliefs that blinded him.  Even though Washington was outstanding in his role, it was actually the magnificent Viola Davis who knows how to portray a real person.  A person who’s not only emotional, but also full of wisdom.  If she doesn’t get an Oscar for her performance, there will be some problems.  What’s heartbreaking about the film is that this is the type of family that you love to hang out with and when they fall apart, your heart falls apart too.  There were some certain themes and symbolism that were a bit hard for me to explain, but they fit very well with this type of concept.  What’s more special about this film is that it made me feel like I was watching real people interact with one another, pretty much like Manchester by the Sea.

Overall, “Fences” is a fantastic and compelling story about a family torn apart thanks to some strong performances, superb direction, and an engaging screenplay that hits me pretty hard.  If it gets noticed by the Academy, I will be happy.  If you haven’t seen it yet, I suggest you do before the Golden Globes and the Oscars start.

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