First, the Recap:
At the height of racial tensions in 1950’s while dealing with his own prejudices and a life previously shaken by war and other questionable choices, Pittsburgh waste collector Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) tries his level best to provide for his family, including wife Rose (Viola Davis) and sons Cory (Jovan Adepo) & Lyons (Russell Hornsby), while also watching out for shell-shocked, now mentally impaired older brother Gabe (Mykelti Williamson). Yet, as the world and times are changing around him, Troy’s often harsh, anger-filled, “stuck in his ways” demeanor begins to cause familial disorder, even as hidden indiscretions on multiple fronts come hurtling to the surface, threatening to destroy everything Troy believes was promised and/or owed to him and his legacy.
Worth Seeing: YES
It’s the time of year when Oscar comes calling, and there should certainly be a strong knock on both Washington and Davis’ respective doors thanks to riveting and fiery performances in this film adaptation of the August Wilson play about the barriers we face both inside and out. The strength of having a Hollywood veteran like Washington in the director’s chair for this tense, emotionally-charged effort is second only to his portrayal of the stubbornly loquacious and internally disheveled Troy. Davis’ seriously long-suffering yet deeply loving Rose is superbly enacted, providing the necessary foil to Troy’s overpowering, volatile bluster and intimidating physical stance. Superb support is brought to bear by Adepo, Hornsby, and Williamson along with Stephen Henderson as Troy’s best friend Jim Bono. “And the awards go to——“.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
