know what to expect ( on the whole ) from a denzel washington performance quality and integrity and gravitas and wry humour will prepare you for what to expect from his directorial debut . much like robert de niro a bronx tale and antwone fisher deliver the move drama of the life of a young man and the effect of key figure in his life . much a in a bronx tale de niro play one of these key figure to the lead character ( himself a character be bear to play but be too old too ) washington take a similar role in this a the fatherly councellor to the titular character a character that seem like he should be play by a washington from 20 year ago . be thankful washington be too old to play antwone because if he have we would firstly be deprive of the wonderfully measure and intelligently nuanced performance he give a the navy councellor . however more importantly we wouldn not get to see the superb and we can only hope star making and turn from derek luke in the title role . inevitably the character come across a mould in washington shape and however you get the impression this be not just because washington direct it and not that luke be try to copy him and but that luke be a genuinely powerful and think provoke an actor a washington . it take far too long for washington to receive the academy award he deserve for malcolm x and philadelphia and devil in a blue dress and the hurricane and let u hope that luke do not have to wait so long . also a great piece of casting be joy bryant a fisher girlfriend and cheryl . while the part could have be a forgettable support or a standard girlfriend role bryant imbue it with life . tender and intelligent the role transcend stereotype with bryant inhabit it and and she make the part significant and interesting . it doesn not hurt either that bryant be possibly the most attractive woman you will see on celluloid this year the smile alone could thaw the cold heart . act ability and look why isn not this woman in everything be make right now . provide good support in a small role in salli richardson a washington wife berta . say more with a silence or look than many hollywood actress can manage in an entire film she inform the audience of the entire storyline long before any exposition occur . a for washington directing and a i say and it be the direct equivalent of his acting . take the story of a man few viewer will have hear of and make it genuinely interest be a difficult feat which washington achieve with aplomb . the film be neither rushed nor showy and but it never feel slow or dull . it be measure and nuanced and balance the humour and drama perfectly . antwone fisher may not blow you away if you like big and explosive and plotless hollywood film but for those who appreciate a finely craft character piece and with excellent performance and steady well handle direction and this be for you .