Renita Childs
01/19/23
DBPC 405
Antwone Fisher and childhood trauma
Renita Childs
01/19/23
DBPC 405
The movie that I chose for my review was the very inspiring and emotional drama,
Antwone Fisher. This movie was about a young man who had an issue with how he projected his
feelings which often led to a violent outburst. Antwone grew up in a foster home which caused
him to experience much trauma that followed him into adulthood. During his time spent in the
Navy, he got into many altercations and was eventually referred to a psychiatrist. The
psychiatrist helps Antwone work through some of his trauma while doing so he suggests that
Antwone finds his family. During this movie, there was a scene where Antwone finally meets his
biological mother and tells her about his life and everything that he has done. Antwone proceeds
to let his mother know that he forgave her for not being in his life. This scene was very
impactful, it gives sight into the very thing that is constantly preached in the Bible about
forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 says: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” NIV
One aspect that the audience should look for if they have never seen this film is how
important is to let God take the lead and show us the way. In this film there were numerous times
when Antwone could have given up and just allowed the trauma and grief to control his life. It
was clear that Antwone wanted better for himself and his life, once he allowed the fear of
abandonment to diminish, he found comfort in different people that God had placed in his life.
Another aspect I noticed was how powerful it is to forgive the people who have wronged you.
Antwone goes on a journey to find his biological family and on this journey, he finds his mother.
While sitting with his mother he asks her questions and then proceeds to tell her about how he
always thought about her and where she was. Before leaving his mother, he reaches out and
Renita Childs
01/19/23
DBPC 405
grabs her hand and lets her know that he forgives her for not being in his life. This was a very
powerful scene because even though his mother not being in his life was a major reason for his
feelings of abandonment, he was able to release those feelings and not allow them to make him
not forgive his mother for her short comings.
A scene in the movie that I think warrants further reflection is the scene where Antwone
is locked in the basement by his foster mother. In this scene she is tormenting him with fire and
accusing him of messing with something that belonged to her. Antwone breaks out into a sweat
and promises to not touch anything that does not belong to him. I think further reflection is
warranted because we do not get to see how that affected Antwone as he got older.
Renita Childs
01/19/23
DBPC 405
The Antwone Fisher movie was easy to connect with on a personal level due to it being a
film about how letting past transgressions can take over your life. I believe that everyone at some
point in their life has had an experience with something that would have the possibility of
changing the course of their life had they not made the decision to live a separate way. This film
is all about how to overcome the obstacles that could knock you off the path that God has for
you. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV This movie only confirmed
what I already knew about how children and adolescents are affected by being in a high-risk
environment. Children who grow up in violent environments often tend to display defiant
behaviors in their adult life. Antwone struggled with controlling and processing his anger in a
way that positively affected his life. Due to Antwone’s chaotic and abusive home life he carried
a lot of aggression with him, and it almost destroyed his life. “Child abuse and neglect can cause
a variety of psychological problems. Maltreatment can cause victims to feel isolation, fear, and
distrust, which can translate into lifelong psychological consequences that can manifest as
educational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, and trouble forming and maintaining
relationships.” (Kavanaugh, Dupont-Frechette, Jerskey, & Holler, 2016).
The characters in this film were accurately portrayed given their involvement in
Antwone’s life. For example, his psychiatrist who helped him overcome his fear of forming a
relationship with
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Cheryl the young lady that was interested in Antwone. Antwone’s psychiatrist was able to
convince him that it would be a great idea to seek his biological family. Antwone had a strong
feeling of abandonment due to people leaving his life. God placed his girlfriend Cheryl and his
psychiatrist in his life when he needed someone to lean on. These two people alone helped
Antwone realize that his life had a purpose.
The film is a great representation of how God heals the broken and helps us forgive the
people who have wronged us. Antwone found peace and felt safe when he decided to speak
about the things troubling him. This reminds me of John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do
not be afraid.” NIV
Renita Childs
01/19/23
DBPC 405
Works Cited
Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150
versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2023, from
https://www.biblegateway.com/
Long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect. (n.d.). Retrieved January 19, 2023, from
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/long_term_consequences.pdf
Washington, D. (2002). . Fox Searchlight Pictures.Antwone Fisher
