Amazon.com: Watch Fences | Prime Video

The script is real. A RELATABLE story with phenomenal acting.

Some people here write that "they used the N word too much, and it made [them] uncomfortable". Deal with it. That IS the way the characters were built, it IS the way many folks at the time, and actually, even now, speak. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes... I don't love the use of the word either, but I can certainly respect people who feel otherwise, and I most definitely will not let something as trivial as *that* make me give a well written and executed film a bad rating.

Some people say "there's too much dialogue." Yeah. That's what happens when a story is good, when the script is actually good enough that you don't need cars racing, buildings exploding, or a basic copy/paste of every lame, dumbed down story Hollywood has been writing since the 1990s. Read a book! Try something that requires you to pay attention for more than 15 seconds. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO WORDS! It's a good life skill. At worst, committing to appreciating a movie like this will expand and improve your appreciation of (actual) art.

Denzel is magical. Viola, although having a secondary role, shines as ever. The conflicts are presented in a way that makes the viewer understand, and not demonize the characters amidst their flaws. At times you may get angry with them, but you ultimately understand the human condition from their perspective. THAT is what a good writer does with a character. THAT is what a good actor does with a role: evoking empathy is a must. And all of this was executed brilliantly. Some people may feel the story doesn't uplift them. Good writing is not measured by the way a story makes you feel uplifted. You may get the feeling that you're stuck. THE CHARACTERS *are* stuck themselves! But the way the story thrives is precisely in the characters' ability to "put one foot in front of the other," like one of the characters in the movie says. There is a remaining DIGNITY amidst their struggles and flaws.

I can't (yet) say the Academy Award for Best Actor was stolen from Denzel Washington, because (and this is my effort to remain objective), I haven't seen Manchester By The Sea; but I honestly doubt Casey Affleck's job could surpass Washington's. This role showcases Washington's broad abilities very well.

Originally posted here:
Amazon.com: Watch Fences | Prime Video