Review of Fences (2016) by Wayne M — 18 Feb 2017
Fences is fine vehicle for the art of words and acting. Based on August Wilson's award winning play you can see how it would be a knock out on stage and it nearly gets there as a film. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh it deals with the hopes and frustrations of a working class black family set against the underlying discrimination of the day.
Troy and Rose are in a seemingly committed marriages but poor decisions threaten to pull them apart. The star here is Viola Davis who is simply remarkable as Rose. She is quite amazing. Washington in the lead role is captivating but I think his performance is over the top and he chews up a lot of the scenes.
The other star here are the beautiful words of Wilson. His thoughts and ideas on race and responsibility are quite illuminating giving us a fine film if not a great one.
This review of Fences (2016) was written by Wayne M on 18 Feb 2017.
Fences has generally received positive reviews.
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