Fisher's story is inspirational

Antwone Fisher" is the true story of a young man's self-discovery and self-awareness through the help of a ranking Naval officer and a loving girlfriend. From that general description it doesn't sound like much more than "Good Will Hunting" with an African-American cast, but Denzel Washington (in his directorial debut) has taken this fairly standard tale of redemption and turned it into a culturally significant film as well as a good, old fashioned Hollywood story. \nNavy man Antwone Fisher (newcomer Derek Luke) is basically a good kid, but his quick temper and violent reactions keep him in and out of trouble with his superior officers. After a fight provoked by a white sailor, Fisher is sent to Dr. Jerome Davenport (Washington) for therapy. Like Will Hunting, Fisher is a smart, angry young man who would rather sit mutely in an office session after session than talk about his problems with the doctor. Fisher finally cracks, and as the film progresses, his conversations with Davenport both in and out of the office provide looks into sad and violent moments in Fisher's past. \nAs with most redemption movies that are based on true stories, the main character's eventual triumph is not surprised but assumed. The promise of a happy ending here is even more obvious when one considers that the real life Fisher wrote this screenplay. What raises this film above a ordinary storyline is two-fold. First, the flashbacks are not solely used for understanding or justifying Fisher's actions, but also highlight important cultural and societal trends within the black community, as well as in America at large. The film evokes the way Fisher's life reflects on the world around him, a depth not found in "Good Will Hunting." Second, the film is filled with many emotionally challenging scenes, such as the one when Fisher confronts his mother who gave birth to him in prison and never claimed him when she was released. \n"Antwone Fisher" is an honest account of events that are not always easy to watch or discuss and is carried by strong performances all the way around as well as steady direction from Washington. The film's emotional climax in the second to last scene is as uplifting and wonderful as any final scene in any movie, including "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Field of Dreams," and proves to be entertaining and educational all at once.