unlike other commenters who have comment on this movie ability to transcend race and contrarily and i think that this powerful film provide a complex and deep story that address institutional racism and the effect thereof . washington direct fisher story with a careful hand and critical eye and relinquish this cinematic endeavor neither to dismemberment of woman body and perpetuate unthoughtful stereotype and nor satisfy the expectation of the white gaze . i think this film might be a bit too happy in the end while however and it be deeply entrench in afro american culture and discourse to the point that some white spectator may get the feeling of look into the life of this afro american antwone fisher . i have problem with the naval aspect of the film and but when we look at america and there be not many choice or opportunity for black men who be or be in fisher situation or similar situation . viewer may go to this movie expect a black movie represent what be a black movie . do stereotype of pimp and whore and drug dealer and single parent home and and so forth constitute a black movie . i think washington a director recognize that afro american and other people of color deal with human problem like abuse and displaced aggression to name a few . these problem have historically and presently only be give light and validity via good will hunt and other white movie while it high time they be give the same recognition and validity a their white counterpart in and out of the medium . sad to say though and in this racist country and denzel washington and derek luke will probably have to wait another ten year before they receive an oscar or anything else . they both will have to wait until they direct or star in a movie that perpetuate the usual racist and sexist stereotype to get an oscar . that be to say and denzel deserve award for malcolm x and hurricane and others before that jive training day oscar . that be not to negate or push aside other great actress and actor of color who be deny their due praise for ingenious work . yet hollywood would rather send the message that racism and sexism and heterosexism be acceptable by perpetuate and even reward those stereotype a they appear in countless film such a american beauty and midnight in the garden of good and evil and american pie and and even go with the wind . derek luke be a helluva actor and i wish him best . all of the other actress and actor give superb performance hand down and although i do take issue with denzel selection of yet another straight haired and light skin sistuh . that say and everyone should watch this film . however and it may not be for everyone . much luv . positive .