Man on Fire/Antwone Fisher (2004)

A must-have set for Denzel Washington fans; this two-pack includes the Hollywood hits MAN ON FIRE and ANTWONE FISHER.

In MAN ON FIRE, directed by Tony Scott (TOP GUN, CRIMSON TIDE), Washington plays a lost soul named John Creasy. A former government operative, he has become an alcoholic nomad, searching for inspiration and redemption. An old friend (Christopher Walken) who lives in Mexico gets Creasy a job as a bodyguard for nine-year-old Lupita "Pita" Ramos (Dakota Fanning), the daughter of Mexican Samuel (Marc Anthony) and his American wife Lisa (Radha Mitchell). Creasy's primary job is to protect Pita from the kidnapping attempts that are an increasing menace to the children of Mexico City's wealthy. A man of few words and many secrets, Creasy initially balks at Pita's attempts to befriend him, but soon a bond grows between the precocious child and this lonely man who is tormented by his past. When Pita is kidnapped despite Creasy's valiant attempts to save her, he will do anything to bring all of those involved to justice. His fury unravels a net of almost unimaginable corruption and greed in the process.

Making his directorial debut, Washington tells a truly moving story in ANTWONE FISHER, a film based on Antwone Fisher's autobiographical screenplay. The film tracks a remarkable young man's struggles with and recovery from childhood abuse. Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke) is a young Navy sailor who is on verge of getting booted from the military because of his volatile temper when he is ordered to mandatory sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington). After a few strained sessions, Fisher navigates through difficult memories of his Cleveland childhood, mostly of life with a vicious foster mother (Novella Nelson) who beats him on a regular basis (and refers to him not by name, but by the n-word) and a foster sister who violates him sexually. Fisher and Davenport form a father-son bond, and eventually Fisher finds the strength to forge his first romantic relationship with a beautiful young woman named Cheryl (Joy Bryant). Strong acting, a good script and Washington's direction create a story rich in emotional intimacy. The yearning melodies of composer Mychael Danna complete the artistry of the film.