Antwone Fisher

Denzel Washington, now a perennial Oscar contender, directs and co-stars in this deeply probing and moving autobiographical drama, which was penned by the very real and impressive Antwone Fisher. Former studio gift-shop clerk Derek Luke makes a stunning feature debut as the sailor Fisher, who was born to an unwed inmate, became a product of abusive foster care and is on the verge of being booted from the U.S. Navy for constant fighting. Washington gives a dignified, solid performance as the military psychiatrist who helps the angry, emotionally explosive young man confront his inner demons and encourages him to search for his family roots to bring closure to burning questions of his past.