Fences

2016 • 138 minutes
4.2
1.83K reviews
92%
Tomatometer
PG-13
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Some people build fences to keep people out - and other people build fences to keep people in. Academy Award winner® Denzel Washington and Academy Award nominee® Viola Davis deliver the year's most powerful performances in the film adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film takes a passionate look at former Negro-league baseball player Troy Maxson (Washington) as he fights to provide for those he loves in a world that threatens to push him down. Washington's directorial triumph pulses with the universal truths of love, forgiveness, and happiness despite what lies beyond your own fence.
Rating
PG-13

Ratings and reviews

4.2
1.83K reviews
Ag Jr
July 22, 2019
The acting was excellent, but the movie itself was very uninteresting to me. Not bad at all, just unintersting. I would probably enjoy it more by reading it as a book or watching the original play than seeing it as a movie. It's mainly Troy monologuing about his life story and (often selfish) choices. Not much happens and the movie's symbolism and message speaks louder than its plot. If you need more dynamism in movies and, like me, can't relate to artistic expression, this movie isn't for you.
PLK
March 27, 2017
Seemed more like a play written for the stage than a cinematic production. I wonder if they could have established and maintained historical and cultural authenticity without seeming to embrace some stereotypes and sounding a little bit forced and contrived. The acting was fine though and whatever part Denzel Washington plays is always worth watching. I consider him an American film icon.
6 people found this review helpful
Micaela Huntsman
March 20, 2017
Horrible movie. Horrible plot, sad and by far the worst movie of the year. I was so disappointed because they hyped up this movie to be so amazing and I was looking forward to it especially because of the main characters and actors they used. Come on Denzel.... You've done far better movies. This one was just a little disappointing.
57 people found this review helpful