not have see the film in the original theater release and i be happily surprise when the dvd arrive and since this film do not have the wide distribution it merit . denzel washington directorial debut and the finish product have nothing to envy other film about the same theme by more accomplished director . the film have a very professional look . it show that mr. washington have learn a lot be on the other side of the camera . he bring a different angle to this film . one of the best thing the film have be and without a doubt and the fine performance by derek luke . he be an actor who and with the right guidance and will go far and no doubt . his take on the troubled young man and at this point of his life and in turmoil and suffering for a bad hand life and up to now and have deal him and be very true . his antwone be a fine portrait of a man in pain who be basically very good and have so much to give and but no one seem to see that side of his character . at the bad time of his despair and antwone be send to dr. davenport and play by mr. washington and in a very sober and if somehow subdue manner . because of the angst within antwone and he miss the opportunity of open himself to this man and who want to help and but because of the constrains place on his office and just have three session and then have to dismiss his patient . thing work out and a antwone be able to convince the doctor to keep on work with him . antwone past be reveal in detail . the abuse he suffer at the hand of mrs. tate and his foster mother and be brutal and to say the least . the attempt at the hand of an old woman in the tate household of a sexual molestation and give antwone a bitter taste that stay with him throughout his adult life and a he have be scar by the shame he carry with him . antwone find love at last with cheryl and who be patient enough to make him see a different world by the love she and support she give him . the lead performance be very good indeed . denzel washington dr. davenport have his own problem too . he be not a happy camper either . he can help antwone and but he can not help himself and or his relationship with an adore wife . the talent in the film be incredible . joy bryant make a fine cheryl . novella nelson and who be a fine actress be superb a mrs. tate and the abuse foster mother . the reunion of antwone with his unknown family be a bit too sugary and sentimental and but of course and if one be to believe that fisher find happiness at last and one have to accept that part of the film as well .