Rating: ⭐3.7/5
| Key Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Fences |
| Genre | Drama |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Runtime | 2 hours 19 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Year | 2016 |
| Director | Denzel Washington |
| Writer | August Wilson |
| Main Stars | Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson |
| Plot Summary | Set in the 1950s, Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector, who struggles with his past failures, racial discrimination, and his strained relationships with his family. |
| Themes | Race, Generational Conflict, Masculinity, Redemption, Family |
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Troy Maxson (The protagonist, a former baseball player turned garbage collector struggling with his past) |
| Viola Davis | Rose Maxson (Troy’s supportive yet long-suffering wife, dealing with the complexities of their marriage) |
| Stephen McKinley Henderson | Jim Bono (Troy’s best friend and confidante) |
| Jovan Adepo | Cory Maxson (Troy and Rose’s son, who dreams of playing football despite his father’s objections) |
| Russell Hornsby | Lyons Maxson (Troy’s older son from a previous relationship, who struggles to gain his father's approval) |
| Mykelti Williamson | Gabriel Maxson (Troy’s brother, whose mental state is affected by a war injury) |
| Saniyya Sidney | Raynell Maxson (Troy and Rose’s young daughter) |
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Race and Opportunity | The film explores how racial inequalities in the 1950s affect Troy’s career and his family's ability to achieve their dreams, especially through the lens of Troy's failed baseball career. |
| Generational Conflict | The father-son relationship between Troy and Cory symbolizes the larger struggle of passing down dreams, disappointments, and expectations, creating generational friction. |
| Masculinity and Family | Troy's complex views on masculinity, fatherhood, and duty to his family highlight the emotional and psychological depth of the character and his relationships. |
| Redemption and Regret | The film focuses on Troy's journey of confronting his past mistakes, including infidelity and strained relationships, and how those decisions affect his family’s future. |
Fences (2016) is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of race, family, and personal struggle. The performances by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis are nothing short of extraordinary, with their portrayals bringing August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play to life. This film captures the generational conflicts, regrets, and dreams that define the human experience, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and nuanced performances.
Denzel Washington not only starred in the film but also directed it, marking his second directorial effort after The Great Debaters (2007). His unique perspective as both actor and director adds a layer of authenticity to the adaptation of Wilson’s play.
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