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Plot Summary: 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.

Director: Denzel Washington

Writers: August Wilson

Runtime: 2h 18 min

Main Cast:

• Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson
• Viola Davis as Rose Maxson
• Stephen Henderson as Jim Bono
• Jovan Adepo as Cory
• Russell Hornsby as Lyons
• Mykelti Williamson as Gabriel
• Saniyya Sidney as Raynell
• Christphoer Mele as Deputy Commissioner

Review: As Tuck Sees It (with help from Jacq)

Around the holidays, you can usually expect a surplus of treasures. Several albums will drop. New Jordan’s will hit the market. A couple of lucky movies will get that Christmas day release date. This season is no different. But if you’ve been debating which film to spend the 12 dollars your uncle just slid you outside, Fences deserves that coin and more.

Denzel Washington steps behind the camera for the third time, and puts on his directorial hat to bring August Wilson’s play to the screen. Being that Denzel had previously played Troy during the Broadway stage production, his position as director comes as no surprise. And he does an amazing job. Instilling emotion and correlating symmetry with every scene. From the weather and lighting changing when emotions turn, to the physical surrounding embracing the forthcoming future being spoken by the actor. These elements of directing kept intact from the authenticity of the screenplay.

Denzel directs himself as Troy, the 1950 definition of a dream deferred. Surviving a troubled childhood, Troy lives a life of ups and downs. From jail time to a celebrated Negro League baseball player, Troy’s pessimistic view on life is a result of his MLB dreams. His dreams were cut short – maybe due to his outspokenness , maybe his age, maybe timing. Because he is unable to fulfill his own dreams, Troy blocks his son’s dreams, whether it is to save him from disappointment or to share misery, which is left to the perspective of the viewer. Troy’s lack of compassion and complete narcissism partially destroys his own life and has a lasting effect on the person’s on his side of the fence, and the other side of the fence. Troy is not intentionally a villain, but his life concepts and interactions with others make him appear as such. Denzel is able to be hated by the audience and yet reminiscent to some father like figure most people have once encountered.

Next to Washington is one of the most well-crafted casts of the year. Mykelti Williamson as Troy’s handicap, veteran brother taps into the soul of Troy and the viewer. Jovan Adepo as Corey is relatable as a frustrated teen dealing with an overbearing system, with a lenient savior. Stephen Henderson, who has also been a part of the stage play, as Bono, is the perfect wingman – he won’t stop the party but he will remind you of the hangover ahead. Two Words, VIOLA DAVIS. Viola is the star, and rumors of her grabbing the Oscar are deserved. Davis’ portrayal of Troy’s loving and loyal wife Rose, is beautiful and gut wrenching. Watching Viola feels like time has stopped. She leaves you breathless while panting for more.

Fences is a brilliant view of the life and times of a family struggle in the 1950s. The movie stunningly embraces the personal struggle of a man past his prime. The painful beauty of a house not being a home. A woman struggling to ensure it becomes no worse than it already is. All culminating to the blessing in acceptance and putting the best of yourself into the world, for better or for worse.