Review of Fences (2016) by Beecee — 05 Jan 2017

I'm a big theater fan, so I've seen most of August Wilson's Pittsburgh cycle plays, and Fences is his most awarded and arguably best play. It takes place mainly in the 50's and concerns Troy Maxon, former Negro League baseball player now trash collector, his wife Rose, two sons and brain damaged war veteran brother.

Denzel does a great job as Troy, who is not a totally sympathetic person, but the movie belongs to Viola Davis as his long-suffering wife. Yes, it is obviously an adaptation of a play, but the dialogue is terrific and all the characters are realistic and well-rounded.

Kudos should also be given to the actor portraying his brother. You may not like this film if you are mainly into action movies, but I was thoroughly involved with the plot and the characters, despite my familiarity with the play.