Fences was originally a play starring Denzel Washington. It obviously made a big impact on him as he then decided to direct and star in the film version which I’m reviewing here. It’s heavy drama and also features many of the cast from the play. Let’s find out if it’s worth a look, so without further ado here is my Fences blu-ray review.
- Fences (2016)
- Genre: Drama
- Directed by Denzel Washington
- UK Rating 12
- Discs: 1
- Released By Paramount
- Blu-ray Released: 12 June 2017
Plot
Set in 1950’s America, Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) works as waste collector or binman. He has a wife and two sons with the elder son being from a previous relationship. Troy is a deeply flawed character having been a talented baseball player he believed the colour of his skin prevented him from becoming a professional. Troy also has a younger brother Gabriel who is mentally impaired following a head injury sustained during the Second World War.
Fuelled with all of that anger he tries to keep a roof over his family’s head. Although Troy still has a few stories and secrets to reveal that will have far reaching consequences.
Style / Direction
The films directed by Denzel Washington whilst the cinematography is handled by Charlotte Bruus Christensen. Most of the story takes place on a street and in the family home. It really does look fantastic and really aids in the storytelling.
Music / Audio Effects
The music score comes from Marcelo Zarvos.
Acting / Characters
Without a doubt this is film is all about the acting. In fact the acting is indeed excellent, there’s not a bad performance from anyone.
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson
- Viola Davis as Rose Lee Maxson
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Jim Bono
- Jovan Adepo as Cory Maxson
- Russell Hornsby as Lyons Maxson
- Mykelti Williamson as Gabriel Maxson
- Saniyya Sidney as Raynell Maxson
Conclusion: Fences (2016) Film Review
Fences is pretty heavy going. Its comes from a play and feels very much like one. The story is deep and family oriented. Without a doubt this is an actor’s film. The acting is simply excellent from everyone. That said it’s a film you will probably only want to watch just the once. That’s fine, there are some good films that really are best seen just the once. For me I can’t really see myself revisiting this one any time soon.
To conclude I would recommend you give Fences a look but you maybe need to be in the right mood to get the most out of it.
If you enjoyed my Fences blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Fences Blu-ray Review
The movie is from 2016 so the picture quality is flawless. Moving on to the extras reveals a pretty good look at behind the scenes from an acting perspective. If you loved the film then you’re going to want to watch the extras.
Extras
- Expanding The Audience: From Stage To Screen (9 mins)
- The Company Of The Fences (9 mins)
- Building Fences: Denzel Washington (7 mins)
- Playing The Part: Rose Maxson (7 mins)
- August Wilson’s Hill District (6 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Fences (2016)
MOVIE RATING: GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
Amazon UK Links
Fences (2016) is available now on Blu-ray.
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Fences (2016) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not representative of the Blu-ray version
That concludes my Fences blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review at least one Denzel Washington film a week. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Fences (2016) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Fences (2016)
Duration: 139 mins
Director(s): Denzel Washington
Actor(s): Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, Saniyya Sidney
Genre: Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Sensational acting performances all-round
