Left to right, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant and Denzel Washington in the motion picture "Antwone Fisher." (Gannett News Service, Sidney Baldwin/Fox Searchlight). Antwone Fisher Starring: Derek Luke, Denzel Washington, Joy Bryant. Director: Denzel Washington. Rated PG-13: Profanity, violence. Running time: 120 minutes. view the trailer | official website Based on a true story, Antwone Fisher was a sailor prone to violent outbursts. On the verge of being kicked out of the Navy for repeated fighting, he is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood rife with abuse. With the help of a Navy psychiatrist, he turns his life around and decides to embark on a search to find the family that abandoned him as a baby. Through the guidance of his doctor, he confronts his painful past and begins a quest to find the family he never knew.

'Antwone Fisher' powerful, inspiring

by Jack Garner, Gannett News Service

Denzel Washington makes a directorial debut that reflects the intelligence and humanity we've discovered in his various screen portrayals.

"Antwone Fisher" is the uplifting true story about an angry young sailor (Derek Luke) who discovers he can't love and respect those around him until he loves and respects himself.

It's a lesson conveyed by Fisher's sensitive and conscientious Navy psychiatrist (played by Washington). The screenplay is autobiographical. As a debut screenwriter, Fisher tells his story with straightforward sincerity and a potent sense of the dramatic moment.

We first meet Fisher as a sailor with a huge chip on his shoulder. He fights anyone and everyone at the slightest excuse. After one incident lands him in the brig, Fisher is sent to see Dr. Davenport, who begins the long process of helping Fisher discover the root of his anger. Through flashbacks, we learn of Antwone's childhood of abuse and abandonment.

The young man also begins to fall for Cheryl (Joy Bryant), a fellow sailor who helps restore his faith in love.

True, it's all the stuff of a prime-time TV soap, but Fisher's script is restrained and Washington directs the project with graceful subtlety.

The performances are also first-rate, especially from Washington (which is expected) and from relative newcomers Luke and Bryant (which is a pleasant surprise).

The veteran actor seems considerably skilled at guiding inexperienced performers.

Washington also projects just the right tone in his own portrayal of the paternal but always professional Dr. Davenport.

In a movie season rift with cynicism, "Antwone Fisher" delivers a refreshingly optimistic message about the importance of family and roots and self-respect.