This movie is not just a good movie; it's a great study in human nature. It goes where very few writers or producers have gone before. A male or female, who has psychological scars from neglect or abuse, would do well to see this film. Many victims of abuse internalize the words and actions of the attackers to the point that they feel they somehow deserved, welcomed or instigated the ordeal. Many ask themselves questions like "what did I do to cause this person to act this way?" or "why should I ruin this person now?" Guilt and fear are major emotional issues for survivors of long-term abuse. Some worry about the collateral embarrassment of close loved ones who may not know and others feel ashamed that they were not equipped with the physical or emotional strength to stop it or confront it when it happened. Some have a genuine fear that exposing or confronting an abuser will alienate their dearest loved ones and lead others to see the perpetrator as the victim and them as the new villain. It brings to mind movies like "Ordinary People" and "Prince of Tides" because it teaches important life lessons. The real beauty of this film may be the irony of how the troubled victim's response to treatment affected the lives of others around him. Seeing this movie may provide someone a prescription for peace.
Review of Antwone Fisher
