Fences [Blu-ray] [2017] [Region Free]

Fences faithfully adapts the Pulitzer-prize winning play but lacks cinematic edge. It's very difficult to manage expectations when the talent on and off screen is immeasurable. Washington acting and directing, Davis, Wilson's original drafted screenplay and loyally abiding to Wilson's last wishes by utilising an all African-American cast. For the most part, this drama succeeds. An old-school family's trust is broken when the husband admits to being unfaithful. What follows is an almost Shakespearean American drama that is fuelled by values and traditions. On paper, these characters are formidable forces. Proud individuals who hold the utmost respect for themselves, yet their lives are far from the idyllic dreams that they once had. The son has the same aspirations as the father, yet due to his failed ventures he refuses to let his son follow the same doomed path. Insinuating that racism played a fundamental role to his demise, he attempts to manipulate his son into thinking the same. It's a harsh family environment where the members are constantly treading carefully, fortunately Wilson's screenplay conveys the tension eloquently. The first act is a tidal wave of dialogue that allows Washington and Davis to establish their prominence. The latter being incredible, particularly during the snot-filled scene where she exclaims "Well I've been standing here with you!". Immediately I was stricken with goosebumps. Washington's directing style was simple as he ensures the screenplay is at the forefront. However, the major issue I have with this unabridged conversion of the play is that it has no cinematic style. It's as if I was watching the play, yet because Washington attempted to adapt this cinematically he consequently loses the theatrical intensity. Thus I struggled to remain compelled through certain scenes. So much dialogue and acting that it just doesn't settle, it lacked that emotional involvement. Fences is an incredibly intimidating film, wonderfully written and acted but occasionally disinteresting. I just wanted something more from this...

Oh dear. If you can't sleep.. buy this film. I had to rewind it 4 times to get to the end. Dreadful. It's all talk, talk, talk. The scenes go on forever and you really have to concentrate as Denzel's accent is good but very fast paced and can be hard to follow. There isn't much of a soundtrack to convey feelings or help the scenes move smoothly and I think this is why this film is so slow to progress.. some wonderful, touching moments though but it's still hard to keep your attention. I will try again but it's just so slow and it's hard to watch without your mind wandering and ending up thinking about what you need from the supermarket this week.. sorry - but it's just hard work I'm afraid 😴

A very emotional story of a man's fight with his inner self that goes back to his childhood and the mental abuse he had at the hands of his Father. These feelings overflow into his adult life, and the guilt he has for talking advantage of his Brother, who was a War damaged veteran. He turns to alcohol for solace, this has a devastating affect on his relationship with his wife and Son. The film takes a time to reveal all the story, by which time you can't let go. The story is very sad, but through this some humour lightens the hopelessness of post WW2 black America. A good five star watch!

The sound on this is hard to hear and coupled with the strong southern accents makes it really hard to follow. In truth I found it arduous and actually boring. I know this did well in the Oscars and can appreciate the decent acting but I have watched it now twice and really did not enjoy it.

While it was not quite what I expected, it was superb. The acting made it that way. I saw it days ago and still think about it. It must have touched something deep inside about my own family. Or maybe because I grew up near Pittsburgh and worked there. One review I read noted that it took work to watch it, but it was worth it....agreed.

Not really a fan of the story. Found it quite miserable and just felt annoyed at the end. Wouldn’t watch it again. The acting was brilliant and the directing. But the actual story itself was just blah. Not my cup of tea.

Starts very slow & I almost turned it off. So much monologue from Denzel! BUT, I’m glad I stuck with it as it packs a real emotional punch. And once it’s over, it WILL stay with you for a long time. Incredible acting from the whole cast & a real epic movie.

I’m sure this is a really good film, but after ten minutes I was overwhelmed by the incessant dialogue that comes from a film of a play. Not for me, I need a story to unfold reasonably quickly.My wife however, for whom it was bought, loved it so it’ll get the stars it deserves.