Fences (2016)
2016
PG-13
139 Minutes
In 1950s Pittsburgh, a frustrated African-American father struggles with the constraints of poverty, racism, and his own inner demons as he tries to raise a family.
User Review
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Not all stage plays transfer well to the big screen, but fortunately, "Fences" is a truly powerful depiction. Director Denzel Washington delves into big themes and touchy subjects in order to tell a remarkable yet realistic film set on the 50s. While the screenplay is by August Wilson, who wrote the original script for his famous play of the same title.
The dialogue is the real thing in here. It explores vital themes such as suburban desperation, marital malaise and experiences of African-Americans on the early years of the Civil Rights Movement.
The film has the advantage of having both Viola Davis and Washington as the two lead stars, as they were both nominated for the Tony awards at the same role in 2010. It offers deeply rich and complex characters, which are anchored with energetic, incredible delivery from its magnificent powerhouses, with Davis in her best and most jaw-dropping movie performance, thus far. In fact, she won an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in this film. But the fact of the matter is that, Fences is not for everyone. Some parts may lack to engage contemporary audience, some may be over-the-top for other people.
VERDICT: Fences is a daydream of the 50s, awakened by a nightmare. And believe this - it's so good, it's disturbing, or at best, devastating.1 member likes this review.
