Abiding at the Movies

Antwone Fisher (2002)

PG 13 2hrs Biography/Drama 10 January 2003 (USA) Available on Epix, Hulu and Prime Video

Antwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment, a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins. Director: Denzel Washington Writer: Antwone Fisher Stars: Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant

A`grab at your heart' story about a troubled young man's search for happiness. skomormj14 July 2003 Antwone Fisher is a young sailor filled with rage, easily provoked, and unable to control his emotional outbursts. His temper earns him mandatory sessions with a naval psychiatrist, Jerome Davenport. Davenport unlocks the sources of Antwone’s anger- an abusive childhood and fear of abandonment. The film takes us on a journey of his life marked by periods of intense loneliness while searching for family. The director introduces two minor twists to the plot: Antwone’s reluctance to trust as he begins dating for the first time. revealing the effects of childhood on his adulthood. The second involves problems with the psychiatrist's marriage. Denzel Washington's presence commands our attention and emotions. This film's direction and acting exposes our souls and grabs our hearts.

Pastor Joe’s Comments and Questions Antwone Fisher is the true story of a young man whose mother gave birth to him in prison and was forced to grew up in foster homes. Abused as a child, Antwone was told that he was nothing and almost came to believe it himself until a man of compassion and healing walked beside him. He gave his patience and time so Antwone could tell his story and confront his pain. In that act of redemption there was healing, love, search for connection and family and grace for a new beginning. I have watched this movie at least 6 times, one of my favorites!

1. What do we learn about Antwone Fisher in the first 15 minutes of the film? How would you describe his attitude and personality, his conduct as a sailor? Describe the crisis that lands Antwone in Commander Davenport’s office? What problem does Antwone have to resolve with Davenport? What are his options? 2. As Antwone shares his story with Davenport, what do we learn about his birth, childhood and teenage years? Can you describe some of the problems and trauma he confronted? How did he deal with it and learn to survive?

3. Davenport helps Antwone to understand more of what happened to him and why. What does Antwone learn about how he was treated while living with the Tates? How and why was telling his story to Davenport important?

4. Talk about Antwone’s relationship with Cheryl. What was that like for each of them?

5. Antwone grew up with a lot of childhood trauma, but he is also quite bright and creative. What are his creative skills and gifts that we learn about as the movie unfolds?

6. The Davenports invite Antwone to Thanksgiving, how does that go for him and for them?

7. When Davenport tells Antwone their sessions are over, how does Antwone react and why? And what is Davenport’s next challenge for Antwone?

8. How does Antwone’s search for his family get complicated, frustrating and then exciting?

9. How does Antwone handle meeting his mother, what are the emotions? While there is sadness and fear in their meeting, what is Antwone’s gift?

10. At the very beginning of the film Antwone dreams of a bountiful banquet with his ancestors in a barn and after leaving his mother at the end of the movie there is another banquet scene. Talk about it from Antwone’s perspective and our Christian faith.

11. Finally, talk about Antwone’s thanking Davenport and then Davenport’s revealing his secret and thanking Antwone. Who was counseling who?