In the heart of 1950s Pittsburgh, we meet Troy Maxson, a former baseball player whose dreams of a professional career were dashed by segregation. Now working as a garbage collector, Troy grapples with the weight of his unfulfilled potential. At home, he faces tensions with his wife Rose, struggling to provide for his family while dealing with the demons of his past.
As their teenage son Cory shows signs of athletic prowess, Troy’s troubled relationship with his father Jim Bono resurfaces. The arrival of Lyons, Troy’s older son from a previous marriage, further complicates the family dynamics, bringing with him secrets that threaten to unravel the Maxson’s fragile existence.
Tensions rise when Cory’s dreams of playing football conflict with Troy’s desire to protect him from the same fate that hindered his own career. Amidst these family struggles, the looming shadow of racism and societal pressures intensifies, leaving Troy torn between his responsibilities as a husband and father and the bitterness that has consumed him.
As the walls close in on the Maxson household, a poignant and heart-wrenching story unfolds, exploring the bonds of family, the complexities of race, and the enduring search for purpose and identity in the face of adversity.
Movie Overview
| Title | Fences |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2016-12-16 |
| Runtime | 139 minutes |
| Genre | Drama |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Troy Maxson |
| Viola Davis | Rose Maxson |
| Stephen McKinley Henderson | Jim Bono |
| Jovan Adepo | Cory Maxson |
| Russell Hornsby | Lyons Maxson |
| Mykelti Williamson | Gabriel Maxson |
| Saniyya Sidney | Raynell Maxson |
| Lesley Boone | Evangelist Preacher |
| Christopher Mele | Deputy Commissioner |
| Jason Silvis | Garbage Truck Driver |
| Tra’Waan Coles | Towns person |
| Joe Fishel | Parade Marcher |
| Cara Clark | Student (uncredited) |
| Daniel James | Jaywalking Pedestrian (uncredited) |
Storyline
In 1950s Pittsburgh, the Maxson family navigates the complexities of life as an African American family. Troy Maxson, a former baseball player now working as a garbage collector, grapples with his unfulfilled dreams and the weight of society’s expectations. His wife, Rose, provides unwavering support despite facing her own struggles. Their eldest son, Cory, is an aspiring football player who clashes with his father over his pursuit of a different path. As the family’s relationships are tested by the harsh realities of their circumstances, they must confront the generational impact of prejudice and their individual aspirations in the face of limited opportunities. Through powerful performances from Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, “Fences” is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of family, race, and the American dream, set against a backdrop of historical and personal conflict.
Details
In the racially charged climate of 1950s Pittsburgh, “Fences” unveils the story of Troy Maxson, a frustrated African-American father wrestling with the constraints of poverty, racism, and his own inner demons. Despite his unwavering love for his family, Troy’s bitterness and pent-up anger stem from a promising baseball career cut short by segregation. As the play progresses, Troy’s choices have far-reaching consequences for his wife Rose, his sons Lyons and Cory, and his brother Gabriel.
Exploring themes of family, legacy, and the complexities of race, “Fences” captivates with its powerful performances from Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and Stephen McKinley Henderson. Each character grapples with their own struggles and aspirations, painting a poignant portrait of the human experience. Troy’s explosive outbursts and Rose’s quiet resilience collide, revealing the unspoken sacrifices and shattered dreams that shape their lives. The play’s dialogue is raw and unflinching, resonating with both authenticity and heartbreak.
Set against the backdrop of a decaying backyard, “Fences” becomes a metaphor for the barriers that confine and divide its characters. From the physical barriers of fences to the metaphorical ones that separate individuals, the play exposes the profound impact of systemic racism and the enduring pain it inflicts. Through its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics, “Fences” unveils the complexities of love, loyalty, and the bittersweet journey of life.
FAQs
What is the MPAA rating for the movie Fences?
Fences is rated PG-13.
When was Fences released?
Fences was released on December 16, 2016.
What genre is Fences?
Fences is a Drama.
Who directed Fences?
Fences was directed by Denzel Washington.
Who is the lead actor in Fences?
Denzel Washington plays the lead role of Troy Maxson in Fences.
Where was Fences filmed?
Fences was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Canada.
What is Fences about?
Fences is a powerful and moving story about a working-class African-American family in the 1950s. Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) is a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. He is a complex and troubled man, struggling to come to terms with his past and his place in the world. His wife, Rose (Viola Davis), is a loving and supportive woman, but she is also frustrated by Troy’s inability to communicate his feelings. Their son, Cory (Jovan Adepo), is a talented baseball player with a bright future, but he is also struggling to find his own identity outside of his father’s shadow. Fences is a beautifully written and acted film that explores the themes of race, family, and the American Dream.
What are some of the critical reception for Fences?
Fences received critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Washington, and Best Supporting Actress for Davis. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
