Antwone Fisher (2002) Movie Script
Voice, Whispering:|Antwone. He's here.
Woman:|That's Antwone.
Woman In White: Antwone?
Man On PA: First call,|first call to colors.
First call,|first call to colors.
Damn. Berkley!
What?
You've been in there|1 0 minutes, man.
Shut up.
Yeah, okay. You know...
one day, Chief s|gonna come in here...
and catch you taking|them Hollywood showers.
I should snitch on you.|Come on, move, man.
Get out of|my way, snitch.
Oh, come on.|Yeah, yeah. Ruff!.
Ha ha ha!|I got you, man.
Sailors: Ooh!
Arf!.
You better quit|playing, man.
[Man On Intercom|Speaking Indistinctly]
What's cracking,|Fisher?
Your head, if you|don't get away from me.
Heh. What is that|on your face?
Keep the fuck|out my face, huh?
Say something!
Say something, huh?|You're always talking!
I'm cool, man,|I'm cool.
I'm cool. I'm cool, man.
Captain: Petty Officer|Fisher, you've been accused...
of violating Article 1 28--
Assault on a superior|non-commissioned officer.
How do you plead?
Guilty, sir.
Well, in your statement,|you say your attack...
on Petty Officer Berkley|was provoked by a...
a racial slur.|Is that correct?
Yes, sir.
Petty Officer Berkley,|did you make...
any racial remarks|to Petty Officer Fisher?
No, sir.
Punk, you--
Stand at attention!
Stand at attention.
This is|the United States Navy, son.
I find you guilty.
They'll be a forfeiture|of $200 for 2 months.
You'll be restricted to|the boundaries of the ship...
for 45 days, and you'll|perform 45 days extra duty.
I'm reducing you from|ship's serviceman...
petty officer third class...
to ship's serviceman seaman.
And I'm recommending|that you be evaluated...
at the psychiatric clinic...
before our next underway|period. You're dismissed.
So, what happened?
How'd it go?
Same old, same old.|I got busted...
but now I gotta go|to the psych clinic.
You gotta go|to the nut house?
Farmer, shut up, man.
Give it up|to the shrink? Damn.
See you next week.
Seaman Fisher.
Right this way.
I understand it's not|your first time here.
You saw Dr. Williams?
Nah, he saw me.
Heh.
That's your wife?
Yes.
Have a seat.
I understand|you like to fight.
It's the only way|some people learn.
Hmm. But you pay the price|for teaching them.
You want to talk|about it?
About what?
Whatever's|bothering you.
Why does something|gotta be bothering me?
What, because I jumped|on a white boy?
Something must be|wrong with me?
''Send him to|the psychiatrist.
Nigger try to kill|his master.''
Hmph.
''He must be crazy.''
You looking for|a discharge, Fisher?
I ain't looking|for nothing.
That's where|you're headed.
If I want|out of the navy...
I'll just leave.
Unauthorized absence?
Yeah, if that's what|the navy calls it.
Hmm. Running away|how you handle your problems?
I don't have|no problems.
Hmm. Where you from,|Fisher?
Where'd you spend|your childhood?
Cleveland.
Parents still live there?
I never had|any parents.
They deceased?
I never--
I never had parents.
That would make you...
a medical miracle,|Seaman Fisher.
Where you from?
I'm from|under a rock.
Okay.
Okay, all right.
I want to see you|next week.
I ain't coming back.
Why not?
'Cause there's nothing|wrong with me.
I agree with you|there.
See you next week.
See the receptionist|on your way out.
Next Wednesday, 1 400.
Whoa!
Walker. Phillip Walker.
That was the name of|the last guy who stalked me.
Oh, man, I'm busted.
Yeah, you're busted.
What's up? Where you been?
I'm on restriction.
- Again?|- Yeah.
How did you get off|the ship?
Um, well, I just|came from the medic.
Why?
Uh, well...
I'm working on this|high priority paper...
for this commander.
Oh. What kind of paper?
Well, I'm--|I'm not at liberty...
to talk about it|right now.
Oh. Well, I was gonna|invite you to a party.
Me?
Yeah, you.
Well, I'm on|restriction.
Yeah, you told me.
Hmm. I gotta...
you know, get back|to the ship.
They probably|looking for me...
right about now,|so...you know--
Talk to you.
[Whispering] Damn.
See you when you're|off restriction.
[Telephone Rings]
[ Skipped item nr. 153 ]
Yes?
Yeah, send him in.
Get your monkey hands|off me, man!
I thought you may|have forgotten...
your way here last week,|so I took the liberty...
of sending|an escort team for you.
You may be able|to make me come here...
but you can't|make me talk.
Thank you.|You're dismissed.
You don't want|to talk to me?
Let me lay this|out for you, son.
This is how many cases|I have, okay?
I don't have time|to waste.
Now, I get|3 sessions only...
to make an eval...
and a recommendation to|your commanding officer.
You know|he wants to throw you...
out of the navy,|don't you?
Now, you can sit here,|and you can not talk...
to me if you want to...
but our sessions|don't begin...
until you begin|talking to me.
I got nothing|to say.
Okay.
Then we'll sit|until you do.
I got a whole lot of|work to catch up on.
We can sit|here every day...
until the day I retire.|Doesn't matter to me.
It doesn't matter|to me, either.
- All righty.|- What about the brig?
What about it?
Send me to the brig.
There's the brig|right there.
Lock yourself up.
What do you know?|Time's up.
See you next week,|1 400.
Want some chips?
Hmph.
[Clears Throat]
[Coughing]
What?
I didn't say anything.
I thought|you said something.
Ahem. I was just|clearing my throat.
Okay.
[Clears Throat]
Maybe you're coming|down with something.
Ahem. I'm all right.
[Wheezes]
It's just sort of...
Just what?
Just...
It's just a waste|of time sitting here...
week after week...
wasting time.
I don't want you...
to waste your time,|Antwone.
So, what you|want me to say?
It's not what|I want you to say.
It's what you|want to tell me.
Maybe you can start|by asking me a question.
I don't know.|Get things going.
I can do that.
You said you come|from under a rock.
What did you mean|by that?
I don't know, I...
It was the first thing|to come to my mind.
[Sighs]
What do you think|it means?
Well, it could mean...
that, uh...
that you feel|under pressure...
that, uh...
uh, you feel a weight...
pressing down on you.
That you're in the dark,|that you're alone.
You said you had|no parents.
I had parents.
Okay.
Ahem. Only 3 sessions,|right?
Only 3.
My father's name|was Edward.
So you knew him?
No.
I didn't even know|his last name.
You know where he is?
Yeah, I know|where he is.
Joey--
He went to his|ex-girlfriend's house.
They got into|an argument.
She killed my father.
Where was your mother|when this happened?
Behind bars.
I see.
I was born in prison...
2 months after my|father was murdered.
Why was she confined,|your mother?
I don't know.
All I know|is what I told you.
So you were turned over|to the state?
Yeah. The state placed|me in this orphanage.
It was supposed to be until...
my mother got out|to claim me, but--
She got out, but she|never claimed me.
Hmm. How long|were you there?
2 years.
How does that make|you feel, Antwone?
I don't know.
Come on, you must have|some feelings about it.
You know, you--|What did it feel like?
Rainy days.
Rainy days? Okay.
Why is that?
You know,|in Cleveland...
it rains.|Not all the time...
but, uh, to a kid...
who wants to go out|and play...
it seems like it|rains every day.
But, uh...
kids expect it|to rain sometimes...
but...for one kid...
it rained too much.
Hmm.
Okay.
You want me to|come back next week?
Yes, I do.
You ever try to|find her, your mother?
No, sir.
Okay. Next week.
Busy day?
Uh, no more than usual.
Hmm.
The tomatoes are|from our garden.
Yeah?
Mmm. They're so much|better than last year.
Heh heh.
I mean, I'm no green|thumb or anything...
but...heh heh.
Who knows?|Maybe I'm learning.
These tomatoes|really are good.
Reverend Tate:|# I don't know psychology #
Reverend Tate:|# I don't know psychology #
# I don't know astrology #
# I don't know|zoology, ha #
# But I know this, ahh #
#Jesus #
#Jesus, ha #
#Jesus #
[ Skipped item nr. 302 ]
#Jesus #
Antwone, Voice-over:|When I was 2...
I was placed in the Tate|foster home.
Reverend Tate, he was|a fire-breathing preacher.
He had his own|storefront church.
There was only|a few members.
There was Ms. Tate,|cousin Nadine...
my foster brothers Keith--
Keith was half white--
Dwight, and me.
# Good God, yeah #
It was church 3 times|on Sunday...
Bible study on Tuesday...
Y.P.W.W. meetings|on Thursday...
choir rehearsal on Friday.
We found out if we caught|the Holy Ghost...
in front of Ms. Tate...
she'd give us vanilla|wafers after church.
So we'd catch it|every Sunday.
# Hallelujah #
# Hallelujah #
# Hallelujah,|hallelujah #
# Hallelujah,|hallelujah #
# Good God #
# Come on, church #
# Show me #
Reverend Tate...
he didn't like|Dwight at all.
He said he had|too much pride.
So he tried to|beat it out of him.
Sometimes, he would even|try to beat him to death.
Did he beat you?
No, sir.|I think he pitied me.
And I liked him|for it...
but I was|ashamed of him.
What about Mrs. Tate?
What about her?
I don't know which one|of you no-good rotten...
hardheaded niggers put your|dirty hands on my walls...
but I bet I'll get|the right one.
I took you in...
when your no-account mammies|threw you away...
and this is|the thanks I get?
Tsk.
You ungrateful niggers.
[Boys Whimpering]
[Wailing]
Hmph. Now I know|I got the right one.
Antwone, Voice-over:|She used to brag about...
beating me unconscious.
Hmph.
She'd threaten|to do it again.
But she never did.
Why do you think|she never did?
Uh...maybe|she was scared.
She found a new way|to get me, though.
[Young Antwone Panting]
So you like fire, huh?
No, Muh-deah,|no, Muh-deah...
I don't like fire.
You...
stay...
away from things that|don't belong to you.
You hear me?
You hear me?!
Yes, yes, Muh-deah!
You hear me?!|Yes!
Dumb nigger.
[Door Creaks Shut]
Antwone: I tried|everything I could...
to get her to like me...
and nothing ever worked.
Were you the youngest|of the foster children?
No, Dwight was|the youngest.
I was in the middle,|and Keith was the oldest.
Ms. Tate, she used to|put us against each other...
so much, we started|hating each other.
But I think deep down|inside...
we really hated|ourselves.
What do you mean?
Keith was half white.
She would try to|compare Keith...
to me and Dwight.
You know, he had|the good hair...
and we had|the bad hair.
She used to say how|Keith was better than us...
because his father|was white.
I wished I was Keith.
Mmhh.
But not even Keith|could escape...
from being called|a nigger.
She hardly used our names.
She said the word|nigger so often...
called us niggers so often...
that we could tell...
who she was|talking to by...
the way she said|the word nigger.
What happened to|Dwight and Keith?
Dwight is in Lucasville|State Penitentiary.
Keith got taken back|by his mother.
He was raped by|one of her boyfriends.
Mmhh.
Did what happen to|Keith happen to you?
Hell, no.
Okay.
Okay. Was|Mrs. Tate ever--
Was she ever|nice to you?
Yeah, there were times.
Sometimes she would|tell her friends that...
we were good kids and that|she was proud of us.
Chummy times.
Chummy times?
Yeah. I got to where|I could tell...
what kind of day|it was gonna be...
by the scent in the air|when I awoke.
How could you tell?
Well, if I awoke|and there was the smell...
of grits and eggs...
or water steaming off|the pavement...
as she hosed it down...
I had to look out|all day.
But...if I smelled|pancakes...
everything was okay.
She make pancakes|very often?
No, sir.
I can delay|my next appointment...
if you want to|talk some more.
No, sir.
Hey, Slim.
What?
You going home|next leave?
Hell, yeah. I gotta|tend to the flock.
Hey, when I get leave...
I'm gonna be|like a--a vampire...
coming to town|with his coffin.
Just a place to|lay before I get down.
What's that mean?
Man, shut up.|People trying to sleep.
Aw, shut your grouchy|ass up.Jesus!
Hey, when you going|home, Pork Chop?
When your mama|quit tripping...
and send me|my money. Ha ha ha!
What about you, Fish?
When you going home?
Fish?
Fish!
Antwone, Voice-over:|Last night...
I had a dream|aboutJesse.
Davenport, Voice-over:|Who's Jesse?
He was my best friend.
When I wasn't at home...
I was probably wherever|Jesse was for 3 reasons.
One was, being his friend...
he wouldn't beat me up.
Hey,Jesse, look!|I got 5!
And the other reasons were--|so he wouldn't beat me up.
I only got 3.
I liked him a whole lot.
Give me yours.
We used to drive|our friend Kenny crazy.
Let's get Kenny.
Kenny hung around me...
for the same reasons|I hung around Jesse.
Hey, Kenny,|let me see.
Where's Jesse?
Ugh!
Aah! Stop, stop! Get 'em|off, get 'em off!.
Hey, Kenny,|what's wrong?
Hey, Kenny,|don't forget to write!
Hey, Kenny,|don't forget to write!
Ms. Tate, she hated Jesse.
She hated seeing us|together even more.
But for years, she couldn't|keep us apart.
I was so happy|when she kicked me out.
Mrs. Tate: Twonny.
That hoodlum niggerJesse|call up here askin' for you.
[ Skipped item nr. 479 ]
Said something about y'all|going to the picture show.
Now, that's|the devil's work...
and who told you|you could go...
to the picture show,|anyhow?
I mean, where you get|the money, nigger?
Did you steal it?
I already told you.|I've been raking lawns.
Well,|you woulda stole it.
Give me the money.
I said gimme the money.
You don't know what to do|with no money nohow.
That's why I never|let you have none.
Why you always got|to make things...
difficult for me?
Difficult?
Difficult.
Where you learnin'|such fancy words at?
Fancy?|Ain't no fancy word.
Don't sassy me, boy.
No one's|sassing you.
Don't sassy me!
Ain't no one|sassing you!
Don't you--
I ain't gonna let you|beat me no more!
No more!
Lord Jesus.
I want you out|of my house.
Hmm?
And who you think|gonna take you in, huh?
Retarded nigger,|don't nobody want you.
Your damn mammy|didn't even want you.
Mrs. Tate:|Gimme my shoe. Hmpf!.
Davenport:|Must've felt pretty good...
when you took|that shoe from her.
Yeah, I felt|like I was gonna go...
right upside|her head...
but I just chilled.
Why'd you chill?
I don't know.
Well, I'm glad you did.
How'd you feel?
I felt like|I won a prize...
but it scared me.
Why?
It was the first time|I ever felt...
more powerful than her.
It was like a surprise.
Whatever happened|toJesse?
We lost touch.|You know how it is.
Davenport: Yeah.
It might be helpful|to understand the mentality...
of people|like the Tates.
Here.
It's called|The Slave Community.
Why I gotta understand|somebody beatin' on me?
What you went through...
was in part the result|of the treatment...
that slaves received|from their masters...
and then passed on|to their own children...
generation to generation|to generation...
right on down|to the Tates.
Sir, that sounds|like an excuse.
I mean, I was a kid.
I understand.
You sound like you|takin' up for 'em.
I'm not saying|what they did was right.
What they did|was wrong.
We all have choices.|They made the wrong choices.
But this is not about them.|This is about you.
You were sent to me...
because you have|an anger problem.
Well, you got the right|to be angry.
But you also have to learn|to channel that anger...
to use it|constructively.
Instead of gettin'|into fights...
go to the gym.
Hit the bag,|lift the weights.
You have to use that energy|to better yourself.
You say you're taking|Japanese classes, right?
Yeah.
Okay, you're already|on the right track.
Can we talk about|this next week?
3 sessions, son.|Unfortunately...
that's all I'm given|to make a recommendation...
and I'm gonna recommend...
that you be given|a second chance.
That is what you want,|isn't it?
To stay in the navy?
Yes, sir.
Okay.|Okay, stay out of trouble.
Cheryl: Antwone!
Antwone!
What's up?|How you doing?
I'm cool.
Oh.|You don't seem cool.
I'm all right.
What are you|doin' in there?
You still workin'|on that paper?
No, I'm finished.
I just went through there|for a short cut.
Oh. Where you goin'?
Nowhere.
I--I gotta go.
Cheryl, I'll talk|to you later.
[Laughing Together]
Why you always talkin'|about somebody's momma?
Man, we ain't talkin'|about somebody's momma.
We talkin'|about your momma!
Hey, Fish!
Yeah, I bet|you won't be fightin'
no more honkies|on this boat.
Man, this ain't|no boat.
Dis a ship.
''Dis a ship!''
Country-ass Negro,|who let you in the navy?
Fish!
What's that book|you readin'?
Let me see|the cover.
The Slave|Community.
Whatcha readin'|that shit for?
Because I want to.
This ain't|no slave ship.
And these ain't|no slavery days.
I can't tell.
You the only buck-dancin'|Uncle Tom on the ship.
You a part-time brother.
Yo, Grayson, man,|what--
Why you always|talkin' shit, man?
What I do ain't got nothing|to do with you.
You better get|out of my face, bro.
Either you tryin'|to hang out with the brothers...
or you tryin' to hang|with the white boys, man.
You better sit|your ass back--
You better make up your mind.|What you gonna do?
Whatcha gonna do?|Come on!
Stop it!
Let me go!|Get your hands--
[Laughing]
Thank you, sir.
Who's next?
So, um,|Dr. Davenport...
you sent him|to the gym?
Hit the punchin' bags?
Ain't that what|you prescribin'?
So, why are you here?
You feelin' under pressure?
You feel like, uh,|a rock is on top of you?
Come on now.|Speak the hell up.
You better make it snappy.
You only got|3 sessions comin'!
What are y'all|lookin' at?
What you lookin' at?!
You feelin' sick?
You need a healin'?|You need a healin'?
Do you need a healin', huh?|Do you need a healin'?!
Some of y'all|sick-ass sailors...
need to come back|after working hours!
See, that's when|the good Dr. Davenport...
he'll be layin'|his hands on you!
Or he may have|a book in there...
that may have the answers|to all your problems...
and all your questions!|Ain't that right?!
Ain't that right?
Would you like|to step into my office?
[Door Slams]
Are you finished?
I thought I was|just gettin' started.
Let me tell you|something, son.
It may have|slipped your mind...
but you are addressing|a superior officer.
You understand me?
Do you understand me?!
Yes, sir.|I slipped up.
You better believe|you did.
No, sir,|I mean I slipped up...
when I talked to you.
What?
3 sessions, right?
That's correct.
Can't be floutin'|regulations.
That's correct.
Well, what do I do,|Commander?
'Cause I don't know|what to do.
I don't know|what to do.
Tired?
[Chuckles]
How was your day?
Long.
Not complaining,|though.
Well,|don't wait up.
I got a lot|of work to do.
I know.
- Good night.|- Good night.
Well, it's nice|to finally be off...
restriction|for a change.
Yeah, I'm gonna be|squared away from now on.
Hey!
Y'all need somethin'|from the exchange?
Man, what's up with you|and the exchange?
You spend more time there|than you do on restriction.
I'm just tryin' to be|a good shipmate, man.
I'm only kiddin'|with you.
But bring me back|some Skittles.
And a Snickers.
And some pork skins.
And a sandwich.|Thank you.
What are you|doin' here, sir?
I was in the area|and saw your ship.
So you just saw|this big ol' ship...
moored alongside|the pier?
I want to see you|back in my office...
next Wednesday,|after knockoff.
That is, if you want|to continue.
I think I need to check|my calender first...
sir.
Okay.
Well, you let me|know, okay?
Yes, sir.
Hey, Cheryl.
- Hey.|- Hey.
What's going on?
Nothing.
You just gettin'|off work?
Yeah.
Oh.
You, uh--|You mad?
Why would I be mad?
I'm sorry.
That's cool.|[Chuckles]
So, you finally|off restriction?
Yeah.|[Chuckles]
Yeah.
So you can|hang out now?
Yeah.
So what about now?|I'm off.
Nah, I gotta--|I gotta meet somebody.
Well, I promised|I'd meet somebody...
in a few minutes,|so...you know.
What's her name?
[Chuckles]|Look, it ain't like that.
It ain't like that.
What about tomorrow?
Um, what about the day|after tomorrow?
Say, Wednesday,|after knockoff?
That'd be better.
Okay. Um...
meet me in the lobby|of the female barracks...
at 1 7 00.
Okay. All right.
I'll meet you|at 1 7 00.
All right.|Yeah.
It's a date.
Antwone:|Are we done?
Davenport:|Yes, we are.
Can I ask you|a question?
Sure.
Um...|do you think it's--
Do you think|it's possible...
for somebody that had|problems all their life...
you know,|not to stay that way?
You know,|you think it's possible...
they can change?
Absolutely.|Why do you ask?
No reason.
Do you want|something to drink?
- No, I'm good, sir.|- Okay.
Uh, you know, you--
You know, when you|kinda meet somebody...
you know, if you|have problems...
it wouldn't--
Who is she?|What's her name?
What's her name?
Cheryl.
She works|at the exchange.
That's a good thing.|Keep it navy.
[Chuckles]|Right?
So?
Um... so, um...
Have you spoken|to her yet?
Yeah, I spoke to her,|but, um...
I get caught up--|tongue-tied.
Everybody's|awkward at first.
Okay.
No, not like me.
No, everybody is,|Antwone. Trust me.
Even you?
Even me. Everybody.
So...
Well, we're|going out tonight.
Good.
We supposed to go out|a couple of days ago...
but, uh, you know...
I just wanted|to clear my head.
Take some time.
You know,|talk to you first.
Okay.|Yeah.
So, what|should I do?
[Laughs]|Well, she's a nice girl?
Yeah, obviously|you like her.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, I think you should|just go out with her.
I mean...
I tell you what.|You know, sometimes it helps...
just to take the anxiety|out of a future meeting...
to role play.
What's that?
Like, you play yourself|and I'll play Cheryl...
and I'll ask you|some questions...
and we'll have|a conversation...
and you'll see that|you'll have a good time, okay?
Yeah,|you play Cheryl.
Okay, now.|That's right.
That's right.|I'm man enough to play Cheryl.
Okay.|Uh, you go first.
Nah.
I'll go first.
So...
how you doing?
Fine.
Good, good.
So, where we gonna go?
Out.
See?
Uh...
[Antwone Sighs]
I'm hungry. You?
I could eat.
See? That's good.|You got it.
You think so?|Absolutely.
I don't think you have|anything to worry about.
I'm gonna give you|my phone number.
If you have|any problems...
any questions at all,|you can call me.
Any time of day|or night.
Have fun.|Give me a call, okay?
We're gonna be fine.
Okay.|You never know, son.
These things,|sometimes they can escalate.
Escalate into what?
My wife and I went out.|It escalated into marriage.
No, we not escalatin'|into marriage.
All right, well good.|You get outta here.
And have fun.|Hey...
have fun.
- Okay?|- I will.
Okay, see you later.
No escalating.
Antwone:|No escalating.
Okay.
Here you go.
- Thank you.|- You're welcome.
What is this?
Frappuccino.
Frappuccino?
Yeah.|You like it?
For $6.00?
What do you care|how much it cost?
All the money|we're makin'.
That's why I joined|the navy, you know?
To see the world,|build a fortune.
I don't know|what to do...
with all|the money I got.
Okay, now tell me...
why you really joined|the navy.
For real?
Yeah, for real.
All right, well...
my father's a navy man,|Vietnam vet...
and, uh, his boys were|gonna grow up one day...
and join and serve|just like he did.
Only one little problem.|He didn't have any boys.
- So you...|- Mm-hmm.
So I, yep.|[Chuckles]
It's worth it,|you know?
I mean, even if|I hated the navy--
which I don't--
it's worth it|just to...
just to see his eyes|and the way they shine...
when I put on|that uniform.
[Chuckles]
So you and him|are close?
Yeah.|We're close.
Mm.
Mm.
Can't wait to go home|for Thanksgiving.
You going home?
I'm gonna go home.
Mm.
I'm kinda hungry.|How about you?
I could eat.
[Laughs]
What?
Nah...
Nothing.
What?
- What?|- You sure?
- No.|- Okay.
You shoulda|ordered something.
I like what I ordered.|These are good.
You know, vegetables|are good for you.
Want to try some?
Come on.
Try it.|It's good.
It's got, uh,|white cabbage...
purple cabbage,|yellow cabbage.
Nasty cabbage.
[Laughing Together]
Man!
It's not that bad.
Mm-hmm.
So...
what do you|like to do?
Or what do you|want to do?
What would|you like to do?
What would|I like to do?
Mm-hmm.
Um...
like, um...|I want to teach.
Yeah?
My mother|was a teacher.
- For real?|- Mm-hmm.
Mm.|A teacher's, um...
I think that's a powerful|position, you know?
You get to give to kids|and all that.
I think you'll make|an excellent teacher.
Really?|Thank you.
I think, um...
I think you're beautiful.
Thank you.
What?
Well, it's just funny.
I mean, nice,|what happens to your--
To your mouth|when you smile.
One side curls up|higher than the other.
Did you ever know that?
No.
It's cute.
Oh, thank you.
You shouldn't|hide it, you know?
You should smile|more often.
It's good for you.
Yeah.
Oh.
Here we are.
You had|a good time?
Yeah.|I had a great time.
Thank you.
[Sighs]
Well... good night.
Good night.
[Speaking Japanese]
What is that?
Japanese.
That meant,|''It gave me great pleasure...
to spend|this evening with you.''
Cool.|That was beautiful.
Thank you.
So, how do they say...
''Maybe we can do|this again sometime?''
Uh...
I don't know.
Nah.
Let me know.
I will.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Oh, yeah,|I kissed her, man!
Shoot.|[Clears Throat]
But I ain't--|I ain't gettin'
into all the intimate|details with you.
For real.|That's just how it is.
That's my girl,|I respect her and...
[Laughs]
Mind yours.|Mind yours.
[Chuckling]
God, that made me|look like a pizza.
[Door Closing]
Hey.
[Sighs]|Hi.
Ohh.
Whatcha doing?
Organizing.
Organizing.
These pile up.
Well...
you could start off|by gettin' rid of that one.
Make the pile|a little smaller.
No, you're gonna|have to get in line.
Yeah?|I remember that one.
You can get rid|of that one, too.
[Laughs]
Look it.
Davenport: Huh.
Ohh...
a lifetime ago.
Not to me.
[Chuckles]
Let's see this.
What?
How long are|we gonna do this?
Are you gonna just|keep ignoring me?
Come on, baby.|Come on, now.
What are you talkin' about?|I mean...
we're just having|a good time.
Why don't we--
You're just gonna|continue to act...
like you don't know|what I'm talking about?
Look, I don't know|what you're talking about.
You don't know--
I'm hungry, you know?|I mean, I walk in--
[Doorbell Rings]
Talk to me.
Jerome?
She kissed me.
What?|She kissed me.
I didn't even push her.
The only thing I did was|I walked her to her door...
I threw some|Japanese on her...
and then she kissed me.
Listen,|Seaman Fisher--
Oh, sir, I'm sorry|for knockin' on your door...
but I had to.|I had to talk to you.
Hello.
I'm sorry for bustin' in|on you like this.
You know,|this is highly irregular.
Yes, sir, I know.|But what am I gonna do?
I mean, we get underway|to Mexico next week...
and I'm startin' to get|serious with this girl.
Okay, okay.
Well, she'll be here|when you get back.
How do you know?|Maybe she won't.
Because if she has a fraction|of the bounce that you have...
she'll be here,|I guarantee you.
So you think|I should just chill?
That would be|a good suggestion.
- Chill. Yes.|- Okay.
I won't be doing|this again.
Thank you very much.|Good night.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.
Who was that?
A patient of mine.
[Locks Door]
He was, uh...|on his first date.
He was so excited.
He couldn't wait|to tell me about it.
Well, don't cure him.
[Excited Chatter]
Yeah!
[Celia Cruz Sings|La Vida Es Un Carnaval]
#Ay, no ha que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
Es mas bello|vivir cantando #
# Oh, oh, oh,|ay, no hay que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
# Ylas penas|se van cantando #
Show me what|you're working with!
Show me what you're|working with, whoo!
# Es un carnaval #
# Es mas bello|vivir cantando #
# Oh, oh, oh,|ay, no hay que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
# Ylas penas|se van cantando #
[New Song Begins]
[Sergeant Garcia|Sings Jumpi]
Hey!
All right, man!|Fish!
[Laughs]
I don't know about you,|but if my math is right...
we a lady short|at this table.
Kansas City:|Oh, you ain't know?
My man Fish says|he got himself a girlfriend.
She's in the navy.|Right, Fish?
Yeah, be writin' to her|every minute he can find.
Just so romantic.
Quieres bailar?
I don't understand.
Oh, you understand.
Quieres bailar?|Si. Si, bailar.
I don't know--
She wants to mate.
Do the dance.|You understand.
Woman:|Come, come!
Venga, venga.
No, I'm fine.
Let her oil|the old slave down.
What your girlfriend|don't know...
won't hurt you.
Hey, come on, man.|Get up, get up, get up.
No, I don't want to.
Grayson: You don't what?
You should leave him|alone, Grayson.
I'm not botherin' him.
But he didn't|answer my question.
What question?
You don't what?
How come I never seen you|with a girl, huh?
I mean, man says he's got|a girlfriend, right?
Well, anybody ever met her?
Huh?
Anybody?
Don't worry about it,|sweetheart.
You see,|he's a cherry boy.
Never been|to the sugar shack.
Too scared to go.
Fuck you, Grayson.
Huh?|What did you say?
You heard me.
Fuck me?
With all these women|in here?
You want me?
See what I mean,|brothers?
Hell, I'm worried|about you, Fish.
I mean, all this|action up in here.
Why you don't want|no woman?
Yeah. Faggot.
Here we go again.
[Excited Yelling]
[Telephone Rings]
Davenport.
What time does|his plane get in?
Okay. No, no,|I understand.
I understand.
Okay,just let me|talk to him first.
All right,|thank you.
[Door Opens]
I thought we were|all done fightin', Antwone.
Let me in.
The X.O. wired the statements|of your shipmates.
Now, do you wanna start|at the beginning?
Look, you're gonna|have to talk to me, son.
You better|tell me something...
'cause I'm all|you got right now.
Now, I'm tryin'|to work things out...
with|your commanding officer...
but you gotta|give me something.
I don't know|what to say.
So tell me|what happened.
They were frontin' me.
What do you mean,|frontin' you?
Some of the guys|were baggin' on me.
I couldn't take it.
How so?
I don't know.
Just, uh...
just makin'--|makin'jokes.
What kind of jokes?
Jokes about me with--
With women.
I wasn't takin' it.
What kind of jokes about|you bein' with women, Antwone?
Jokes like me|bein' a virgin.
Are you?
I don't know.
I might be.
Davenport: Okay.
Why do you think you|haven't been with a woman?
Think about it, son.
Must be a reason.|I mean, you're a...
good-lookin' young man.
Must've had|many opportunities.
Maybe you don't like women.|Maybe you like men.
I like women.
Maybe you don't|care about sex.
I care about sex.
I think about it|all the time.
All right. We're right|back where we started.
How come you've never|been with a woman?
I have.
Okay.
When?
[Sighs]
When?
When I was young.|There was--
There was a kiss.
Okay.
How was it?
I hated it.
It was t--
It was terrible.
Why?
I threw up.
Why?
Why?
Because...
because she put|her tongue in my mouth.
She--she always did.
Antwone:|That's my mama.
Keith: That|ain't your mama!
You said the other lady|was yours!
I changed!
What?|You can't change!
That's my mama!
Mrs. Tate: Nigger?
Nigger, you hear|me callin' you?
I said nigger.
Comin', Muh-deah!
Dwight! Keith!
Yes, Muh-deah.|Here--here I come.
Mrs. Tate: Get|your behinds down here.
And I told y'all not|to mess up your clothes!
And I told y'all not|to mess up your clothes!
- Nadine?|- Nadine: Yes?
We're gonna|be downtown...
at the social|service office.
Nadine: All right.
Twonny? You stay|with Nadine.
Yes, Muh-deah.
[Footsteps]
Twonny.
What you lookin' at|out there?
Hmm?
What you lookin' at?
That's it.
Gimme some sugar.
Now get on downstairs.
What did I say?
Get on downstairs.
In that basement|and drop 'em.
Nadine: Hurry up.
Now, unbutton 'em all.
Come on.
I said, come on! [Slap]
Now, pull 'em down.
You heard me, pull 'em down.
Pull 'em right over my feet.
Now get over here closer.
Closer. You don't|have to be afraid.
Now touch me.
You know you wanna.
Yeah, that's it. Kiss me.
Come on, now. I said kiss me.
Baby, gimme some sugar.
[Door Opens]
Girls:|# ...Mack, Mack, Mack #
# She asked her mother,|mother, mother-- #
Antwone!
Ooh! I'm gonna|tell on you!
[Breathing Heavily]
Jesse: What's up, man?|You all right?
[Panting]
Come on in.
You all right?
She did it again.
She hit you, too?
It's okay, Antwone.
You could stay here.
I'll look after you.
Come on. Let's|get you a shirt.
She made me--
She made me do these things.
And I was only a little boy.
If there was something|that I wouldn't do...
she would beat me.
And Jesse was the only one|you ever told?
Yes, sir.
She's the only woman|I ever seen naked.
I'm almost|25 years old.
I never done it.
That's embarrassing.
I hate it.
[Doorbell Rings]
Yes, can I help you|with something?
Hello, Ms. Davenport.
I'm Seaman Fisher.
Antwone Fisher, ma'am.
Well, what can|I do for you?
I'm here to see|the commander.
I'm one of his patients.|He told me to meet him here.
Well, he's not home yet.
But...
um...
Well, come on inside.|You can wait.
Would you like|some cider?
Sure. Thank you.
Seems you gettin' all ready|for Thanksgiving, ma'am.
Berta:|Don't call me ma'am.
You're gonna|make me feel old.
Call me Berta.
So, are you going home|for the holidays?
No, but the chief cook|on the ship...
he's plannin'|a big meal.
So I'll be there|for that.
That sounds nice.
Here you go.
Thank you. Very much.
Um...
first thing I saw...
first time I was|in his office...
it was you.
Yeah. It was|your picture.
I thought you|had a nice face...
a good face, and...|maybe he's all right...
if he married|a woman like you.
Davenport: You ready|to get started?
Yes, sir.
Nice meetin' you.
It was very nice|to meet you, too.
Okay.
I was just|tryin' to be nice.
Why don't you try bein'|nice on that ship?
Hmm?
Have a seat.
I like your house.
Thank you.
Tell me about|your house.
Your house the day|you left your family.
Sir?
The Tates. When they|threw you out.
Tell me about that.
Oh. It was back|to the orphanage.
Um...
they, uh--they|told me I needed...
to develop|my social skills.
Nobody was into|adoptin' teenage boys.
Uh...
they sent me|to a reform school...
in Pennsylvania.
That's where I got|my excellent skills I have now.
[Chuckles] Hmm...
What then?
Um...I was on my own.
The social worker,|she took me to a--
A men's shelter.
She gave me $67...
and, uh...
she said good-bye.
How long were you|at the shelter?
Just till|the next mornin'.
And?
I slept on a few|park benches...
and I came here.
To my house?
No, sir.
I joined the navy.
That's it.
I mean, that's|the Antwone Fisher story.
Okay.
That is it.
You're done for today.
Okay, sir.
Don't talk to my wife|anymore either. You hear me?
Yes, sir.
All right.
Davenport:|Seaman Fisher.
Sir?
Get up here.
What I do?
Cut the jaw jackin'.|Up here right now.
I don't know what|you think you're up to...
but you better be careful.
I didn't do anything.
You didn't do anything?
You didn't do anything?
I didn't do anything.
My wife is inviting|you to Thanksgiving.
She thinks you're|very charming.
Do you have any idea...
where she might've|gotten that impression?
Huh?
Look at me|when I'm talkin' to you.
No, sir.
Maybe she responds|to nice people.
Okay, nice people.|Next Thursday.
Thanksgiving,|my house...
my family,|my dinner table. 1 400.
Don't be late.
Yes, sir.
Get outta here.
[Antwone Sighs]
Cheryl: It's|nice out here.
How'd you find|this place?
It's a lighthouse.
I'm a sailor.
It found me.|[Laughs]
You knucklehead.|[Laughs]
You come|out here a lot?
Sometimes I come|out here to think.
Or to work out|some problems.
Mmm.
I know|what you mean.
Well, um...
[Sighs]
Can I be honest|with you?
Yeah.
[Sighs]
Remember when I, uh...
I told you that I was...
I was workin' on|that important paper?
Yeah. [Laughs]
Well, I lied.
I know.
You know?
Yeah.
You're seein'|a psychiatrist, aren't you?
[Laughs] Ohh...
you knew.
Yeah, I knew.
It wasn't that hard|to figure out.
Mmm...
Are you tryin'|to tell me I'm crazy?
No.
So?
So I'll understand|if you--
If you don't wanna|be bothered no more.
You're not|the only person...
that's seen|a shrink before.
Oh, you seen one?
No...
but I told you|my dad's a Vietnam vet.
He has.
I guess he made it, huh?
So, why--why are you|seein' a psychiatrist?
My life before the navy|was kind of complicated.
I was feelin' ashamed.
Of what?
Of bein' unwanted.
And, uh...
I didn't have|no parents.
Mmm...
You know, I was--
I was afraid|to even approach you.
Would you believe...
that...
I was too shy|to approach you?
- No.|- Yeah. [Laughs]
Um, until I realized|you were stalking me.
[Chuckles]|I wasn't stalking you.
[Laughs]
Well, if there's anything|I could do to help...
I'm here.
You're doin' it already.
What am I doin'?
Just bein' you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Um...
happy Thanksgiving.|Happy holidays, sir.
Happy holidays, ma'am.
I know.
It's...Berta.
Yeah.
Come on--come on in.
Hello.
I'm Antwone. [Ahem]
I, um...
Yeah, I'm hungry.
I could eat. [Laughs]
[Doorbell Rings]
1 400, huh?|What took you so long?
Oh, I stopped by|to get some cider, sir.
Okay. Good.|Happy holidays.
Thank you. Come on in.
Everybody's here|waitin' for you.
We're about|to say grace.
All right, everybody.|This is Antwone.
Antwone,|this is my family.
That's my mother|Johnny Mae.
That's my wife's|brother Uncle Duke.
- How you doin'?|- Hello, sir.
This is my dad Howard.
That's|my sister Gwen...
and her full-grown|daughter.
Hi, Antwone.
Oh, you wanna come|and sit next to her?
Gwen, Gwen. Uh...
Come on, baby.You come|on over here and sit.
Okay.
[Johnny Mae Chuckles]
Davenport: All right.
Duke, why don't you|lead us in prayer?
Okay.
Everybody join hands.
Let's bow our heads.
Heavenly Father...
we come to you|on bent knee...
and body bowed...
as humble as we know how.
We are grateful|for this opportunity...
to share another|Thanksgiving Day...
as a family.
We thank you|for our health...
O Lord, and for our friends...
who honor us|with their presence.
We also pray|for peace in the world...
and in our lives. Amen.
All: Amen.
All right.
This looks good.|Yeah!
[All Talking At Once]
Here's|a little piece.
Thank you. Mmm.
Honey, you want|some more turkey?
Oh, no,|thank you, ma'am.
Howard: Ohh, don't be actin'|all bashful around me.
Especially|at the dinner table.
Dad, leave|that boy alone.
Shoot!
Huh?|I'm okay.
All right, then,|let me see you dig in.
I mean, the food is free.
Howard...
You know, when I was|in the service...
back in the war--that was|before you were born--
Howard!
Anyway, I spent the holidays...
in Europe on guard duty,|and I--ohh!
I sure did miss my mama's|holiday cookin'. Whoo-oo!
Howard, would you|leave the boy alone?
Oh, I ain't botherin'|him none,Johnny Mae.
No, you leave me|alone, huh?
Baby,|he wants to eat!
Oh, no, look, I'm just|talkin' to the boy.
I'm sure he wants to be|home with his family, okay?
Hey, listen, let me|ask you something.
Where you from?
[Ahem] Cleveland.
Cleveland. Yeah?
Yeah.
Cleveland...
I bet you miss your mama's|holiday cookin'...
don't you? Huh?
Excuse me.
Where he goin'?
Howard: I don't know.
See? That's what happens|every holiday season.
Why do you want to|do that to the boy?
Y'all ran the boy|outta here!
That's what happens|every holiday!
I didn't run the boy out.|I was tryin'
to talk to the boy.
[ Skipped item nr. 1511 ]
[All Talking At Once]
You okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
I just never had|a real Thanksgiving...
at the Tates' before.
[Snorts] You didn't|have a real one...
over here either,|I guess. [Chuckles]
You have|a real nice family.
Thank you.
I got this for you...
for having me|over today.
Oh, you got a gift|for me. Is it money?
No.|[Laughs]
Oh, it's a poem.
I can't see|without my glasses.
Why don't you|read it for me?
Um, I'd rather|you read it.
Please.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Lost and all alone.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Abandoned without his own.
Who will cry|for the little boy?''
Both: ''He cried|himself to sleep.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
Who never had for keeps.''
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who walked the burning sand.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''The boy inside the man.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who knew well hurt and pain.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who died and died again.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''A good boy he tried to be.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
Who cries inside of me?''
Who will cry for|the little boy, Antwone?
I will.
[Ahem]
I always do.
It's beautiful,|Antwone.
I know. I told you|I was good.
Yes, you are.|You are good...
because|you're honest.
You're more honest|than most people...
even in your anger.
The only thing you're|not honest with yourself...
about is your need|to find your own family.
Your natural family.
I don't feel like|I need to look for them.
Mmm. It would answer|a lot of questions for you.
I don't have|any questions.
You're upset with them...
because you feel they|didn't come to your rescue.
Maybe they didn't know.
How could they|not have known?
That's a question|you need to ask them.
''Regard|without ill will...
despite an offense.''
That's Webster's definition|of forgiveness.
Why do I|have to forgive?
To free yourself...
so that you can get|on with your life.
Why I gotta go look|for my family?
I got you, Doc.
Berta: Ohh...
I think that he had|a good time tonight.
Davenport: Hmm?
Antwone.|I think that, uh...
he had a good time,|don't you?
Yeah, seemed like it.
He did the sweetest thing|at the door...
when he was|saying good-bye.
He invited me to come|to his ceremony.
You know he's graduating|from his Japanese class.
Yeah, I know.
Well, he wants|me to come.
To be with you.
What did you tell him?
I told him that I would|be honored,Jerome.
Okay...
okay.
Congratulations.
Petty Officer Fisher.|Good job.
Thank you, Commander.
I was waiting.|Cheryl, right?
[Chuckles]|How you doin', Cheryl?
It's a pleasure|to meet you.
Heard nothin' but|good things about you.
Where's your wife?
She couldn't make it.
She sends along|her congratulations.
A small gift for you.
Okay.
The Philosophy and Opinions|of Marcus Garvey.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.
Is there somewhere|we can talk in private?
Do you mind?
That's fine.|I don't mind.
Okay.|Nice to meet you.
Nice to|meet you, sir.
Hello?
[Sighs]|What's up, Doc?
[Chuckles]
How are you?
I'm good.
Yes, you are,|Antwone.
You're good.
I hear nothin'|but good things...
from your C.O.
Hear that you're|gettin' along very well...
with your shipmates.|I'm proud of you.
Thank you, sir.
Have you thought anymore|about finding your family?
I don't know.|For what?
Well, I just think|that there's really nothing...
more important|than that, Antwone.
What are you|tryin' to say, sir?
That I'm proud of you...
that I think|you've come a long way.
Okay.
You said that.|What's wrong?
There's|nothin' wrong.
You understand, this|is very difficult for me.
Our sessions have ended.
[Exhales]|Now, listen.
Just listen to me,|all right?
I've taken|the liberty of--
What do you mean,|they ended?
They--They ended, son,|and it's time for you...
to move on.|You can't stall here.
But you and me are|workin' out my problems.
You and me|can't work out--
You told me|that we need...
to figure out|my problems.
- Listen to me--|- Get off me!
[Door Opens]|Hey, get out!
- Get out!|- Nobody ever stays!
Everybody's|always leavin' me!
People grow.|People move on.
You've grown. It's time|for you to move on.
Hey, my mother left me!
My father!|I understand--
Jesse and you!
Jesse? What do you mean?
We shoulda never gone,|that's what.Jesse!
Jesse?|Tell me something--
Cow bells ringin'|in my fuckin' head!
Cow bells? Tell me|about the cow bells--
But I keep|trustin' people!
Trustin'...
[Crying]
What happened|toJesse, Antwone?
Stay away from me.
Nobody's takin'|anything else away...
from me no more.
[Sobbing]
[Sobbing]
[Doorbell Rings]
Jesse: Who is it?
[Knocking]
Jesse: Man, I just|asked who was it.
Fish! Oh! [Laughs]
Hey, what's up, dog?
What's up with you, man?
What's goin' on|with you, man?
Hey, man,|stop playin'.
Stop playin'?|All right...
don't make me|kick your ass now.
You know you can't|fight worth shit.
Man...
What's up|with you, man?
What's up|with you?
Where you been at?
Where you stayin'?|What's up?
Huh?
I'm at|the men's shelter.
On Prospect.
Where you stayin'|at, man? For real.
I'm on the street.
What you doin'|on the streets, man?
I got nowhere|else to go, man.
You ain't got|nowhere to go.
You couldn't|come to my house?
No, man. Your mom ain't|gonna let me stay up in here.
You trippin', man.|She ain't gotta know.
I mean,|she work all day...
sleep all night.|Besides...
there's so many|people stayin' up...
in this house,|[Chuckles]
She wouldn't even know|you're here no way, dog.
You can stay here,|for real.
Y'all got something|in the refrigerator?
Yeah, we got|something...
You hungry?
- I'm hungry.|- You hungry?
- Yeah, man.|- ''Yeah, man.''
- Stop playin'.|- Come in here.
I mean, you smell|like you been...
on the streets,|too, man.
Dang, slow down, man.
Ain't nobody|gonna take your food.
Hey--Hey, you|remember that time...
Mrs. Tate wouldn't let you|use her lotion?
She made you oil up|with old cooking grease instead.
You walking around all day...
smelling like|a fried chicken dinner.
You like,|''I sho' is hungry!''
Man, that was so funny.
That had me rolling|for real.
But not as funny|as your mother...
chasing you down the street|with that brick.
Oh, okay, okay.|You remember that?
Yeah, I remember that.
That was funny.
Dude, that|wasn't funny, man.
I still got the knot|in the back of my head.
Fish, you know you're|my best friend, right?
What you want?
What, I can't be happy|my dude back on the block?
Huh? I can't be happy|you back here at home, man?
I want you to do|something for me, though.
What?
Just look out for me.
Somebody after you?
Why somebody|got to be after me, man?
Huh?
I just want you|to look out for me, dude.
All right.
You my best friend, right?
Yeah, man.|Stop trippin', man.
Man, come on.|Let's get you cleaned up...
and hit the streets.
Yeah, I don't know.
You know Brenda.|I used to like her.
Psh. The Brenda|you used to like, dog...
got about, like,|3 kids now.
Gettin' all swole.|She big for real, dog.
Ain't no little bootie|Brenda no more.
Hey, how's your mother?
Aw, tsh, man,|she got knocked up.
For real?
Yeah.
Jesse: It's bad.
Go ahead, man.|Get you something.
I got you.
Break it off,|old man!
Jess,|what you doing?
This ain't no riddle.
This ain't nothing|you got to figure out.
-Jess--|- Hey, hold off, Fish.
Hey, you better|break off my loot!
- Hey,Jess, man--|- Look out for me, Fish.
[Bell Rings]
Antwone: And by the end|of the next day...
I was in boot camp.
I always felt like|Jesse was the lucky one...
and I envied him for it.
Well, how could he|be the lucky one? He's dead.
[ Skipped item nr. 1774 ]
Yeah, well,|he left me...
and he knew he was|the only one I had.
So, you're angry at him...
because you felt|he abandoned you.
Yes.
A little bit.
How is he the lucky one?
'Cause he don't|have to fight no more.
Neither do you.
So, you think|I'll make it?
I think|you already have.
What do you think?
I think, uh...
maybe in another|life or time...
I would have|been king.
When you locate|your family...
I want you|to contact me.
All right?|I want to hear all about it.
Yes, sir.
I love you, son.
[Voice Breaking]|I love you, too.
Who's this?
Guess who.
Antwone.
No, this|is Phillip Walker...
the late-night|stalker.
Aw.
Ha ha ha ha.
So...
I, um,|I'm going on leave.
When?
As soon as you|put your request in...
and come with me.
You serious?
Yes.
I just came back.
They're not gonna let me|leave again this year.
Can you ask|for emergency leave?
Tell them somebody|close to you...
is in desperate need.
Cheryl, I--
I really want you|to come with me.
I got these, uh...
2 open tickets.
To Cleveland.
You're gonna try|and find them.
Yeah.|I need to find them.
But not without|your help.
All right.|Let me see what I can do.
Antwone: First|the light-skinned girls.
They got adopted|the quickest.
Then the light-skinned boys...
and then|the dark-skinned girls...
and then,|last but not least...
the dark-skinned boys.
I'm really sorry.
All birth records|since 1 980...
have been moved|to social services.
Woman: Last contact|with your mother?
I was 2 months old.
And with father?
Never.
Place of birth.
Ohio State Correctional|Facility for Women.
I'll be right back.
I need you|to sign for me.
Best of luck,|Mr. Fisher.
Thank you.
Antwone:|There's nothing in here.
Why don't you go see|your foster mother?
- Who, Mrs. Tate?|- Yeah.
I'm not--I'm--
I'm not|going back.
Well, why not?
I mean, she might know|something about your family.
No.
I haven't|done this before.
Take a ride with me.
[Rings Doorbell]
If you selling shit,|just keep on walking.
Oh, my God.|Is that you, Antwone?
Come here, baby.
Don't touch me.
Yeah, it's me...
and I'm all grown up.
I'd like to speak|to Ms. Tate.
Well, you want|to come in?
No.
Would you like|to get her?
'Twon's here.
Mrs. Tate:|Lord have mercy.
Where's the child?
Oh, nigger!|Hug my neck.
Oh, nigger.
I-- Don't you know|how to come home?
Where you been?
I came for one thing:
whatever you can tell me|about my real family.
I don't know nothing|about your real peoples.
A name, number,|anything?
I said I don't know.
Now, come along.|Come on.
I remember everything.
Everything.
You could|have helped me...
but instead, you beat me|to dust, and you--
Boy, I don't know|what you're talking about--
Yes, you do.|I was 6 years old!
Now, you just listen--
No, you listen to me!
No, I think you done|forgotten--
I think you forgotten.|I said listen to me.
This is my time.
You understand me?
It don't matter...
what you tried to do.
You couldn't destroy me.
I'm still standing.
I'm still strong.
And I always will be.
Antwone.
Elkins.
Your father's name|was Edward Elkins.
You take Shaker Heights|and East Cleveland...
and I'm gonna take|Akron and Cleveland.
Yeah. 1 97 6.
Hello. Hi, um...
I'm looking for the family|of Edward Elkins.
Cheryl: Edward Elkins.
[Telephone Ringing]
Cheryl: Hello.
Hi, I'm looking|for the family...
no--Ed-ward.
E-D-W-A-R-D.
What? I'm speaking|clearly.
You can't--
Okay.
Well, thank--|thank you.
I'm looking|for the family...
of an Edward Elkins.
You should have said|that in the first place.
Wha--why you...
[Mutters]|Forget it, man.
Yeah, well,|we're from California.
Yes, it's very nice here.
Okay, well, thank you|for your help, ma'am.
Thank you. Bye.
Any luck?
What you got?
Chinese.
[Chuckles]
[Ring Ring]
[Ring Ring]
Hello?
Antwone:|Hello, ma'am.
Yes?
I'm looking|for the family...
of an Edward Elkins.
Hmm?
Wh-who is this calling|about Edward?
My name|is Antwone Fisher.
I didn't mean|to disturb you.
I'm just trying|to locate my family.
Honey, Edward Elkins|been dead...
a long time.
Yes, ma'am, I know...
a long time, but|he was my father.
Wait, wait, wait.|Who is this...
calling me up|out of nowhere?
How'd you|get this number?
I got your number|out of the phone book.
I been calling Elkins|all day.
Got no reason|to lie to you, ma'am.
Well, honey, Edward|never mentioned no...
What's your name again?
Antwone.
Antwone.
I don't think he knew|my mother was pregnant.
She was away in prison.
You know how he died?
Yes, ma'am.
He was murdered by|one of his girlfriends.
My God.
Wait.
What made you|decide to show up...
20-some-odd years later|in the middle of the night?
Mmm, that's|a long story.
But I'm in the navy...
and, uh, I'm stationed|on the west coast.
I gotta get back|in a few days.
Well, I--I want you to come|by my house before you go.
Okay.
Okay, look.|Y-Y-You have a pencil?
Take down my address.
Yeah.
It's 1 089 Drexel.
1 089 Drexel.
You know where that is?
Yes, ma'am.
All right, well, come by|my house tomorrow, hear?
- Okay. Um, ma'am...|- Yes?
You mind if I bring|my girlfriend with me?
Yes, fine. I'm--I'm looking|forward to meeting her.
I'm sure she's looking|forward to meeting you, too.
You--listen.|You know, if--
If Edward was your father...
then you talking|to your auntie, son.
You are talking|to your Auntie Annette...
your daddy's baby sister.
Well, I'll see you|tomorrow.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Good night.
Bye.
I found them.
Hmm?
I found my family.
You did?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, baby.
Mmm.
I don't know.|What do you think?
Well, he does|look like Eddie.
I do?
Yeah, you look|just like him.
Mm-hmm.
I brought|my birth certificate.
Born in '7 6.
That's the year|Edward died.
Antwone: Yeah, he--|He died in June...
and I was born|in August.
And your mother's name|is...
- Eva Mae Fisher.|- Eva Mae Fisher.
Eva?
I know Eva.|That's Jess's sister.
Who?
Jess.
You mean Fish?
Yeah, Fish.|Jess Fisher.
The boy's name|is Antwone Fisher.
That's Jess Fisher's|sister, Eva Mae.
You know, Mae-Mae.
She live over there|on Hodge Street.
No, I don't remember|no Mae-Mae.
Y-You know|where she lives?
You don't know her,|do you?
No. I--I--
No, no.
You want|to meet her?
Uh...
yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
You sure?
'Cause we can take care|of this right here and now.
Yeah, I'm sure.
Let me get my hat.
Want me|to go with you?
No, why don't you just stay|here with us, baby?
Okay, let's ride.
Bye.
You're not gonna let nothing|happen to me, are you?
No, Antwone.
I won't let nothing|happen to you.
[Dog Barking]
[Kids Shouting]
Woman, Grouchy:|Who is it?
Eva, it's James.|James Elkins.
Edward's brother.
Did you hear me, Eva?
This is James.
What you want?
Can we come in?
[Lock Turns]
Hey, Eva.
Hey.
It's all right,|son. Come on.
Who's that, Eva?
That's Johnny.
No.
That's Antwone|Quenton Fisher.
Who's Antwone|Quenton Fisher, Eva?
That's my first-born son.
[Sobbing]|Oh, God.
Ohh!
There's nothing|going on around here.
You wanna stay?
I'm gonna stay.
I'll be in the car.
Ahem.
You want|something to eat?
No.
Why'd you never|come for me?
Didn't you wonder|where I was...
or what I was doing...
or what I'd become...
or even if I|was still alive?
Didn't you?
I've taken care|of myself.
I have.
I've never been|in trouble with the law.
I've read|hundreds of books...
written poems...
painted pictures.
I've traveled|the world.
I serve my country.
I speak 2 languages...
and I'm working|on a third.
I never fathered|any children.
I've never|done drugs...
or even|smoked a cigarette.
I used to dream|about you.
My mother.
My mother.
You know,|what you'd be like.
How you look.
Your voice|and your smile.
Even your scent.
For all these years|I wondered about you.
I dreamed about you.|Didn't you miss me?
On the way to school|each day...
I imagined you were just|around the next corner...
and when I'd get there,|you'd be there.
And in my mind,|you was always there.
You just|couldn't find me.
So I'd race|to the next corner...
and you'd be there.
I'd know you would.
Then you would|buy me ice cream.
And then you would|take me home.
I'm a good person.
I'm a good man.
Hey, boy, how you doin'?|I'm your Uncle Horace.
Get out of the way, Horace.|Come on, baby. Here he is!
Oh, look at you!|Look at you!
I'm your Aunt Eda,|baby.
Ooh, I'm your|cousin Jeanette.
Welcome home!
And I'm your Aunt Anna.|How you doin', baby?
This is my wife, ''T.''
How you doin',|good-lookin'?
I'm your cousin Eddie.
My dad named me|after your father.
And this is my brother Ray.
Whassup, dog?|What's crackin', man?
Hey, I'm your cousin Jason,|man. What's happenin'?
All right, boys,|open up.
- Aww.|- Aww.
Welcome.
All right.
Come on,|let's eat!
You want|some pancakes? Ooh.
Sure, sure.
Here we go.
How about|some sausages?
I'm not a virgin|anymore.
I'm glad to hear that.
How you doin', son?
I'm great, sir.
All right. Good.|Good, good.
Very good|to see you.
So?
I took your advice.
I found my family|and I found my mother.
Good.
Yeah.
So?
Well, in my heart|I forgive her...
but if I never|saw her again...
I understand.
It's funny to feel that way|about your mother...
but I did it...
and I owe it to you to tell you|that you were right.
You owe it to me?
Yes, sir.
I needed to find her.
Yeah. Well...
if I was right, it was|for all the wrong reasons.
Sir?
This stays between|you and me, okay?
Yes, sir.
My wife and I, we were gonna|have a bunch of kids...
when we found out|we couldn't have any.
And it rocked her|to the core.
I knew what to do for her,|though.
She needed help, treatment.
I made sure she had it.
The best psychiatrist,|the one that trained me.
But I--the well one,|the strong one--
At the same time I went about|the business of shutting down.
Very subtle, very quiet.|It was my little secret.
Until one day, a young man came|into my office and into my life...
and he blew up that little|secret, right in my face.
And he put me to shame in a way|I never thought possible.
Because of you, Antwone,|I'm a better doctor...
and I'm learning|to be a better husband.
You don't owe me anything.|I owe you.
You're the champ, son.
You've beaten everybody|who was beating you.
I salute you.
You hungry, sailor?
I could eat, sir.
Let's go.
Woman:|That's Antwone.
Woman In White: Antwone?
Man On PA: First call,|first call to colors.
First call,|first call to colors.
Damn. Berkley!
What?
You've been in there|1 0 minutes, man.
Shut up.
Yeah, okay. You know...
one day, Chief s|gonna come in here...
and catch you taking|them Hollywood showers.
I should snitch on you.|Come on, move, man.
Get out of|my way, snitch.
Oh, come on.|Yeah, yeah. Ruff!.
Ha ha ha!|I got you, man.
Sailors: Ooh!
Arf!.
You better quit|playing, man.
[Man On Intercom|Speaking Indistinctly]
What's cracking,|Fisher?
Your head, if you|don't get away from me.
Heh. What is that|on your face?
Keep the fuck|out my face, huh?
Say something!
Say something, huh?|You're always talking!
I'm cool, man,|I'm cool.
I'm cool. I'm cool, man.
Captain: Petty Officer|Fisher, you've been accused...
of violating Article 1 28--
Assault on a superior|non-commissioned officer.
How do you plead?
Guilty, sir.
Well, in your statement,|you say your attack...
on Petty Officer Berkley|was provoked by a...
a racial slur.|Is that correct?
Yes, sir.
Petty Officer Berkley,|did you make...
any racial remarks|to Petty Officer Fisher?
No, sir.
Punk, you--
Stand at attention!
Stand at attention.
This is|the United States Navy, son.
I find you guilty.
They'll be a forfeiture|of $200 for 2 months.
You'll be restricted to|the boundaries of the ship...
for 45 days, and you'll|perform 45 days extra duty.
I'm reducing you from|ship's serviceman...
petty officer third class...
to ship's serviceman seaman.
And I'm recommending|that you be evaluated...
at the psychiatric clinic...
before our next underway|period. You're dismissed.
So, what happened?
How'd it go?
Same old, same old.|I got busted...
but now I gotta go|to the psych clinic.
You gotta go|to the nut house?
Farmer, shut up, man.
Give it up|to the shrink? Damn.
See you next week.
Seaman Fisher.
Right this way.
I understand it's not|your first time here.
You saw Dr. Williams?
Nah, he saw me.
Heh.
That's your wife?
Yes.
Have a seat.
I understand|you like to fight.
It's the only way|some people learn.
Hmm. But you pay the price|for teaching them.
You want to talk|about it?
About what?
Whatever's|bothering you.
Why does something|gotta be bothering me?
What, because I jumped|on a white boy?
Something must be|wrong with me?
''Send him to|the psychiatrist.
Nigger try to kill|his master.''
Hmph.
''He must be crazy.''
You looking for|a discharge, Fisher?
I ain't looking|for nothing.
That's where|you're headed.
If I want|out of the navy...
I'll just leave.
Unauthorized absence?
Yeah, if that's what|the navy calls it.
Hmm. Running away|how you handle your problems?
I don't have|no problems.
Hmm. Where you from,|Fisher?
Where'd you spend|your childhood?
Cleveland.
Parents still live there?
I never had|any parents.
They deceased?
I never--
I never had parents.
That would make you...
a medical miracle,|Seaman Fisher.
Where you from?
I'm from|under a rock.
Okay.
Okay, all right.
I want to see you|next week.
I ain't coming back.
Why not?
'Cause there's nothing|wrong with me.
I agree with you|there.
See you next week.
See the receptionist|on your way out.
Next Wednesday, 1 400.
Whoa!
Walker. Phillip Walker.
That was the name of|the last guy who stalked me.
Oh, man, I'm busted.
Yeah, you're busted.
What's up? Where you been?
I'm on restriction.
- Again?|- Yeah.
How did you get off|the ship?
Um, well, I just|came from the medic.
Why?
Uh, well...
I'm working on this|high priority paper...
for this commander.
Oh. What kind of paper?
Well, I'm--|I'm not at liberty...
to talk about it|right now.
Oh. Well, I was gonna|invite you to a party.
Me?
Yeah, you.
Well, I'm on|restriction.
Yeah, you told me.
Hmm. I gotta...
you know, get back|to the ship.
They probably|looking for me...
right about now,|so...you know--
Talk to you.
[Whispering] Damn.
See you when you're|off restriction.
[Telephone Rings]
[ Skipped item nr. 153 ]
Yes?
Yeah, send him in.
Get your monkey hands|off me, man!
I thought you may|have forgotten...
your way here last week,|so I took the liberty...
of sending|an escort team for you.
You may be able|to make me come here...
but you can't|make me talk.
Thank you.|You're dismissed.
You don't want|to talk to me?
Let me lay this|out for you, son.
This is how many cases|I have, okay?
I don't have time|to waste.
Now, I get|3 sessions only...
to make an eval...
and a recommendation to|your commanding officer.
You know|he wants to throw you...
out of the navy,|don't you?
Now, you can sit here,|and you can not talk...
to me if you want to...
but our sessions|don't begin...
until you begin|talking to me.
I got nothing|to say.
Okay.
Then we'll sit|until you do.
I got a whole lot of|work to catch up on.
We can sit|here every day...
until the day I retire.|Doesn't matter to me.
It doesn't matter|to me, either.
- All righty.|- What about the brig?
What about it?
Send me to the brig.
There's the brig|right there.
Lock yourself up.
What do you know?|Time's up.
See you next week,|1 400.
Want some chips?
Hmph.
[Clears Throat]
[Coughing]
What?
I didn't say anything.
I thought|you said something.
Ahem. I was just|clearing my throat.
Okay.
[Clears Throat]
Maybe you're coming|down with something.
Ahem. I'm all right.
[Wheezes]
It's just sort of...
Just what?
Just...
It's just a waste|of time sitting here...
week after week...
wasting time.
I don't want you...
to waste your time,|Antwone.
So, what you|want me to say?
It's not what|I want you to say.
It's what you|want to tell me.
Maybe you can start|by asking me a question.
I don't know.|Get things going.
I can do that.
You said you come|from under a rock.
What did you mean|by that?
I don't know, I...
It was the first thing|to come to my mind.
[Sighs]
What do you think|it means?
Well, it could mean...
that, uh...
that you feel|under pressure...
that, uh...
uh, you feel a weight...
pressing down on you.
That you're in the dark,|that you're alone.
You said you had|no parents.
I had parents.
Okay.
Ahem. Only 3 sessions,|right?
Only 3.
My father's name|was Edward.
So you knew him?
No.
I didn't even know|his last name.
You know where he is?
Yeah, I know|where he is.
Joey--
He went to his|ex-girlfriend's house.
They got into|an argument.
She killed my father.
Where was your mother|when this happened?
Behind bars.
I see.
I was born in prison...
2 months after my|father was murdered.
Why was she confined,|your mother?
I don't know.
All I know|is what I told you.
So you were turned over|to the state?
Yeah. The state placed|me in this orphanage.
It was supposed to be until...
my mother got out|to claim me, but--
She got out, but she|never claimed me.
Hmm. How long|were you there?
2 years.
How does that make|you feel, Antwone?
I don't know.
Come on, you must have|some feelings about it.
You know, you--|What did it feel like?
Rainy days.
Rainy days? Okay.
Why is that?
You know,|in Cleveland...
it rains.|Not all the time...
but, uh, to a kid...
who wants to go out|and play...
it seems like it|rains every day.
But, uh...
kids expect it|to rain sometimes...
but...for one kid...
it rained too much.
Hmm.
Okay.
You want me to|come back next week?
Yes, I do.
You ever try to|find her, your mother?
No, sir.
Okay. Next week.
Busy day?
Uh, no more than usual.
Hmm.
The tomatoes are|from our garden.
Yeah?
Mmm. They're so much|better than last year.
Heh heh.
I mean, I'm no green|thumb or anything...
but...heh heh.
Who knows?|Maybe I'm learning.
These tomatoes|really are good.
Reverend Tate:|# I don't know psychology #
Reverend Tate:|# I don't know psychology #
# I don't know astrology #
# I don't know|zoology, ha #
# But I know this, ahh #
#Jesus #
#Jesus, ha #
#Jesus #
[ Skipped item nr. 302 ]
#Jesus #
Antwone, Voice-over:|When I was 2...
I was placed in the Tate|foster home.
Reverend Tate, he was|a fire-breathing preacher.
He had his own|storefront church.
There was only|a few members.
There was Ms. Tate,|cousin Nadine...
my foster brothers Keith--
Keith was half white--
Dwight, and me.
# Good God, yeah #
It was church 3 times|on Sunday...
Bible study on Tuesday...
Y.P.W.W. meetings|on Thursday...
choir rehearsal on Friday.
We found out if we caught|the Holy Ghost...
in front of Ms. Tate...
she'd give us vanilla|wafers after church.
So we'd catch it|every Sunday.
# Hallelujah #
# Hallelujah #
# Hallelujah,|hallelujah #
# Hallelujah,|hallelujah #
# Good God #
# Come on, church #
# Show me #
Reverend Tate...
he didn't like|Dwight at all.
He said he had|too much pride.
So he tried to|beat it out of him.
Sometimes, he would even|try to beat him to death.
Did he beat you?
No, sir.|I think he pitied me.
And I liked him|for it...
but I was|ashamed of him.
What about Mrs. Tate?
What about her?
I don't know which one|of you no-good rotten...
hardheaded niggers put your|dirty hands on my walls...
but I bet I'll get|the right one.
I took you in...
when your no-account mammies|threw you away...
and this is|the thanks I get?
Tsk.
You ungrateful niggers.
[Boys Whimpering]
[Wailing]
Hmph. Now I know|I got the right one.
Antwone, Voice-over:|She used to brag about...
beating me unconscious.
Hmph.
She'd threaten|to do it again.
But she never did.
Why do you think|she never did?
Uh...maybe|she was scared.
She found a new way|to get me, though.
[Young Antwone Panting]
So you like fire, huh?
No, Muh-deah,|no, Muh-deah...
I don't like fire.
You...
stay...
away from things that|don't belong to you.
You hear me?
You hear me?!
Yes, yes, Muh-deah!
You hear me?!|Yes!
Dumb nigger.
[Door Creaks Shut]
Antwone: I tried|everything I could...
to get her to like me...
and nothing ever worked.
Were you the youngest|of the foster children?
No, Dwight was|the youngest.
I was in the middle,|and Keith was the oldest.
Ms. Tate, she used to|put us against each other...
so much, we started|hating each other.
But I think deep down|inside...
we really hated|ourselves.
What do you mean?
Keith was half white.
She would try to|compare Keith...
to me and Dwight.
You know, he had|the good hair...
and we had|the bad hair.
She used to say how|Keith was better than us...
because his father|was white.
I wished I was Keith.
Mmhh.
But not even Keith|could escape...
from being called|a nigger.
She hardly used our names.
She said the word|nigger so often...
called us niggers so often...
that we could tell...
who she was|talking to by...
the way she said|the word nigger.
What happened to|Dwight and Keith?
Dwight is in Lucasville|State Penitentiary.
Keith got taken back|by his mother.
He was raped by|one of her boyfriends.
Mmhh.
Did what happen to|Keith happen to you?
Hell, no.
Okay.
Okay. Was|Mrs. Tate ever--
Was she ever|nice to you?
Yeah, there were times.
Sometimes she would|tell her friends that...
we were good kids and that|she was proud of us.
Chummy times.
Chummy times?
Yeah. I got to where|I could tell...
what kind of day|it was gonna be...
by the scent in the air|when I awoke.
How could you tell?
Well, if I awoke|and there was the smell...
of grits and eggs...
or water steaming off|the pavement...
as she hosed it down...
I had to look out|all day.
But...if I smelled|pancakes...
everything was okay.
She make pancakes|very often?
No, sir.
I can delay|my next appointment...
if you want to|talk some more.
No, sir.
Hey, Slim.
What?
You going home|next leave?
Hell, yeah. I gotta|tend to the flock.
Hey, when I get leave...
I'm gonna be|like a--a vampire...
coming to town|with his coffin.
Just a place to|lay before I get down.
What's that mean?
Man, shut up.|People trying to sleep.
Aw, shut your grouchy|ass up.Jesus!
Hey, when you going|home, Pork Chop?
When your mama|quit tripping...
and send me|my money. Ha ha ha!
What about you, Fish?
When you going home?
Fish?
Fish!
Antwone, Voice-over:|Last night...
I had a dream|aboutJesse.
Davenport, Voice-over:|Who's Jesse?
He was my best friend.
When I wasn't at home...
I was probably wherever|Jesse was for 3 reasons.
One was, being his friend...
he wouldn't beat me up.
Hey,Jesse, look!|I got 5!
And the other reasons were--|so he wouldn't beat me up.
I only got 3.
I liked him a whole lot.
Give me yours.
We used to drive|our friend Kenny crazy.
Let's get Kenny.
Kenny hung around me...
for the same reasons|I hung around Jesse.
Hey, Kenny,|let me see.
Where's Jesse?
Ugh!
Aah! Stop, stop! Get 'em|off, get 'em off!.
Hey, Kenny,|what's wrong?
Hey, Kenny,|don't forget to write!
Hey, Kenny,|don't forget to write!
Ms. Tate, she hated Jesse.
She hated seeing us|together even more.
But for years, she couldn't|keep us apart.
I was so happy|when she kicked me out.
Mrs. Tate: Twonny.
That hoodlum niggerJesse|call up here askin' for you.
[ Skipped item nr. 479 ]
Said something about y'all|going to the picture show.
Now, that's|the devil's work...
and who told you|you could go...
to the picture show,|anyhow?
I mean, where you get|the money, nigger?
Did you steal it?
I already told you.|I've been raking lawns.
Well,|you woulda stole it.
Give me the money.
I said gimme the money.
You don't know what to do|with no money nohow.
That's why I never|let you have none.
Why you always got|to make things...
difficult for me?
Difficult?
Difficult.
Where you learnin'|such fancy words at?
Fancy?|Ain't no fancy word.
Don't sassy me, boy.
No one's|sassing you.
Don't sassy me!
Ain't no one|sassing you!
Don't you--
I ain't gonna let you|beat me no more!
No more!
Lord Jesus.
I want you out|of my house.
Hmm?
And who you think|gonna take you in, huh?
Retarded nigger,|don't nobody want you.
Your damn mammy|didn't even want you.
Mrs. Tate:|Gimme my shoe. Hmpf!.
Davenport:|Must've felt pretty good...
when you took|that shoe from her.
Yeah, I felt|like I was gonna go...
right upside|her head...
but I just chilled.
Why'd you chill?
I don't know.
Well, I'm glad you did.
How'd you feel?
I felt like|I won a prize...
but it scared me.
Why?
It was the first time|I ever felt...
more powerful than her.
It was like a surprise.
Whatever happened|toJesse?
We lost touch.|You know how it is.
Davenport: Yeah.
It might be helpful|to understand the mentality...
of people|like the Tates.
Here.
It's called|The Slave Community.
Why I gotta understand|somebody beatin' on me?
What you went through...
was in part the result|of the treatment...
that slaves received|from their masters...
and then passed on|to their own children...
generation to generation|to generation...
right on down|to the Tates.
Sir, that sounds|like an excuse.
I mean, I was a kid.
I understand.
You sound like you|takin' up for 'em.
I'm not saying|what they did was right.
What they did|was wrong.
We all have choices.|They made the wrong choices.
But this is not about them.|This is about you.
You were sent to me...
because you have|an anger problem.
Well, you got the right|to be angry.
But you also have to learn|to channel that anger...
to use it|constructively.
Instead of gettin'|into fights...
go to the gym.
Hit the bag,|lift the weights.
You have to use that energy|to better yourself.
You say you're taking|Japanese classes, right?
Yeah.
Okay, you're already|on the right track.
Can we talk about|this next week?
3 sessions, son.|Unfortunately...
that's all I'm given|to make a recommendation...
and I'm gonna recommend...
that you be given|a second chance.
That is what you want,|isn't it?
To stay in the navy?
Yes, sir.
Okay.|Okay, stay out of trouble.
Cheryl: Antwone!
Antwone!
What's up?|How you doing?
I'm cool.
Oh.|You don't seem cool.
I'm all right.
What are you|doin' in there?
You still workin'|on that paper?
No, I'm finished.
I just went through there|for a short cut.
Oh. Where you goin'?
Nowhere.
I--I gotta go.
Cheryl, I'll talk|to you later.
[Laughing Together]
Why you always talkin'|about somebody's momma?
Man, we ain't talkin'|about somebody's momma.
We talkin'|about your momma!
Hey, Fish!
Yeah, I bet|you won't be fightin'
no more honkies|on this boat.
Man, this ain't|no boat.
Dis a ship.
''Dis a ship!''
Country-ass Negro,|who let you in the navy?
Fish!
What's that book|you readin'?
Let me see|the cover.
The Slave|Community.
Whatcha readin'|that shit for?
Because I want to.
This ain't|no slave ship.
And these ain't|no slavery days.
I can't tell.
You the only buck-dancin'|Uncle Tom on the ship.
You a part-time brother.
Yo, Grayson, man,|what--
Why you always|talkin' shit, man?
What I do ain't got nothing|to do with you.
You better get|out of my face, bro.
Either you tryin'|to hang out with the brothers...
or you tryin' to hang|with the white boys, man.
You better sit|your ass back--
You better make up your mind.|What you gonna do?
Whatcha gonna do?|Come on!
Stop it!
Let me go!|Get your hands--
[Laughing]
Thank you, sir.
Who's next?
So, um,|Dr. Davenport...
you sent him|to the gym?
Hit the punchin' bags?
Ain't that what|you prescribin'?
So, why are you here?
You feelin' under pressure?
You feel like, uh,|a rock is on top of you?
Come on now.|Speak the hell up.
You better make it snappy.
You only got|3 sessions comin'!
What are y'all|lookin' at?
What you lookin' at?!
You feelin' sick?
You need a healin'?|You need a healin'?
Do you need a healin', huh?|Do you need a healin'?!
Some of y'all|sick-ass sailors...
need to come back|after working hours!
See, that's when|the good Dr. Davenport...
he'll be layin'|his hands on you!
Or he may have|a book in there...
that may have the answers|to all your problems...
and all your questions!|Ain't that right?!
Ain't that right?
Would you like|to step into my office?
[Door Slams]
Are you finished?
I thought I was|just gettin' started.
Let me tell you|something, son.
It may have|slipped your mind...
but you are addressing|a superior officer.
You understand me?
Do you understand me?!
Yes, sir.|I slipped up.
You better believe|you did.
No, sir,|I mean I slipped up...
when I talked to you.
What?
3 sessions, right?
That's correct.
Can't be floutin'|regulations.
That's correct.
Well, what do I do,|Commander?
'Cause I don't know|what to do.
I don't know|what to do.
Tired?
[Chuckles]
How was your day?
Long.
Not complaining,|though.
Well,|don't wait up.
I got a lot|of work to do.
I know.
- Good night.|- Good night.
Well, it's nice|to finally be off...
restriction|for a change.
Yeah, I'm gonna be|squared away from now on.
Hey!
Y'all need somethin'|from the exchange?
Man, what's up with you|and the exchange?
You spend more time there|than you do on restriction.
I'm just tryin' to be|a good shipmate, man.
I'm only kiddin'|with you.
But bring me back|some Skittles.
And a Snickers.
And some pork skins.
And a sandwich.|Thank you.
What are you|doin' here, sir?
I was in the area|and saw your ship.
So you just saw|this big ol' ship...
moored alongside|the pier?
I want to see you|back in my office...
next Wednesday,|after knockoff.
That is, if you want|to continue.
I think I need to check|my calender first...
sir.
Okay.
Well, you let me|know, okay?
Yes, sir.
Hey, Cheryl.
- Hey.|- Hey.
What's going on?
Nothing.
You just gettin'|off work?
Yeah.
Oh.
You, uh--|You mad?
Why would I be mad?
I'm sorry.
That's cool.|[Chuckles]
So, you finally|off restriction?
Yeah.|[Chuckles]
Yeah.
So you can|hang out now?
Yeah.
So what about now?|I'm off.
Nah, I gotta--|I gotta meet somebody.
Well, I promised|I'd meet somebody...
in a few minutes,|so...you know.
What's her name?
[Chuckles]|Look, it ain't like that.
It ain't like that.
What about tomorrow?
Um, what about the day|after tomorrow?
Say, Wednesday,|after knockoff?
That'd be better.
Okay. Um...
meet me in the lobby|of the female barracks...
at 1 7 00.
Okay. All right.
I'll meet you|at 1 7 00.
All right.|Yeah.
It's a date.
Antwone:|Are we done?
Davenport:|Yes, we are.
Can I ask you|a question?
Sure.
Um...|do you think it's--
Do you think|it's possible...
for somebody that had|problems all their life...
you know,|not to stay that way?
You know,|you think it's possible...
they can change?
Absolutely.|Why do you ask?
No reason.
Do you want|something to drink?
- No, I'm good, sir.|- Okay.
Uh, you know, you--
You know, when you|kinda meet somebody...
you know, if you|have problems...
it wouldn't--
Who is she?|What's her name?
What's her name?
Cheryl.
She works|at the exchange.
That's a good thing.|Keep it navy.
[Chuckles]|Right?
So?
Um... so, um...
Have you spoken|to her yet?
Yeah, I spoke to her,|but, um...
I get caught up--|tongue-tied.
Everybody's|awkward at first.
Okay.
No, not like me.
No, everybody is,|Antwone. Trust me.
Even you?
Even me. Everybody.
So...
Well, we're|going out tonight.
Good.
We supposed to go out|a couple of days ago...
but, uh, you know...
I just wanted|to clear my head.
Take some time.
You know,|talk to you first.
Okay.|Yeah.
So, what|should I do?
[Laughs]|Well, she's a nice girl?
Yeah, obviously|you like her.
Mm-hmm.
Okay, I think you should|just go out with her.
I mean...
I tell you what.|You know, sometimes it helps...
just to take the anxiety|out of a future meeting...
to role play.
What's that?
Like, you play yourself|and I'll play Cheryl...
and I'll ask you|some questions...
and we'll have|a conversation...
and you'll see that|you'll have a good time, okay?
Yeah,|you play Cheryl.
Okay, now.|That's right.
That's right.|I'm man enough to play Cheryl.
Okay.|Uh, you go first.
Nah.
I'll go first.
So...
how you doing?
Fine.
Good, good.
So, where we gonna go?
Out.
See?
Uh...
[Antwone Sighs]
I'm hungry. You?
I could eat.
See? That's good.|You got it.
You think so?|Absolutely.
I don't think you have|anything to worry about.
I'm gonna give you|my phone number.
If you have|any problems...
any questions at all,|you can call me.
Any time of day|or night.
Have fun.|Give me a call, okay?
We're gonna be fine.
Okay.|You never know, son.
These things,|sometimes they can escalate.
Escalate into what?
My wife and I went out.|It escalated into marriage.
No, we not escalatin'|into marriage.
All right, well good.|You get outta here.
And have fun.|Hey...
have fun.
- Okay?|- I will.
Okay, see you later.
No escalating.
Antwone:|No escalating.
Okay.
Here you go.
- Thank you.|- You're welcome.
What is this?
Frappuccino.
Frappuccino?
Yeah.|You like it?
For $6.00?
What do you care|how much it cost?
All the money|we're makin'.
That's why I joined|the navy, you know?
To see the world,|build a fortune.
I don't know|what to do...
with all|the money I got.
Okay, now tell me...
why you really joined|the navy.
For real?
Yeah, for real.
All right, well...
my father's a navy man,|Vietnam vet...
and, uh, his boys were|gonna grow up one day...
and join and serve|just like he did.
Only one little problem.|He didn't have any boys.
- So you...|- Mm-hmm.
So I, yep.|[Chuckles]
It's worth it,|you know?
I mean, even if|I hated the navy--
which I don't--
it's worth it|just to...
just to see his eyes|and the way they shine...
when I put on|that uniform.
[Chuckles]
So you and him|are close?
Yeah.|We're close.
Mm.
Mm.
Can't wait to go home|for Thanksgiving.
You going home?
I'm gonna go home.
Mm.
I'm kinda hungry.|How about you?
I could eat.
[Laughs]
What?
Nah...
Nothing.
What?
- What?|- You sure?
- No.|- Okay.
You shoulda|ordered something.
I like what I ordered.|These are good.
You know, vegetables|are good for you.
Want to try some?
Come on.
Try it.|It's good.
It's got, uh,|white cabbage...
purple cabbage,|yellow cabbage.
Nasty cabbage.
[Laughing Together]
Man!
It's not that bad.
Mm-hmm.
So...
what do you|like to do?
Or what do you|want to do?
What would|you like to do?
What would|I like to do?
Mm-hmm.
Um...
like, um...|I want to teach.
Yeah?
My mother|was a teacher.
- For real?|- Mm-hmm.
Mm.|A teacher's, um...
I think that's a powerful|position, you know?
You get to give to kids|and all that.
I think you'll make|an excellent teacher.
Really?|Thank you.
I think, um...
I think you're beautiful.
Thank you.
What?
Well, it's just funny.
I mean, nice,|what happens to your--
To your mouth|when you smile.
One side curls up|higher than the other.
Did you ever know that?
No.
It's cute.
Oh, thank you.
You shouldn't|hide it, you know?
You should smile|more often.
It's good for you.
Yeah.
Oh.
Here we are.
You had|a good time?
Yeah.|I had a great time.
Thank you.
[Sighs]
Well... good night.
Good night.
[Speaking Japanese]
What is that?
Japanese.
That meant,|''It gave me great pleasure...
to spend|this evening with you.''
Cool.|That was beautiful.
Thank you.
So, how do they say...
''Maybe we can do|this again sometime?''
Uh...
I don't know.
Nah.
Let me know.
I will.
Good night.
Good night.
Good night.
Oh, yeah,|I kissed her, man!
Shoot.|[Clears Throat]
But I ain't--|I ain't gettin'
into all the intimate|details with you.
For real.|That's just how it is.
That's my girl,|I respect her and...
[Laughs]
Mind yours.|Mind yours.
[Chuckling]
God, that made me|look like a pizza.
[Door Closing]
Hey.
[Sighs]|Hi.
Ohh.
Whatcha doing?
Organizing.
Organizing.
These pile up.
Well...
you could start off|by gettin' rid of that one.
Make the pile|a little smaller.
No, you're gonna|have to get in line.
Yeah?|I remember that one.
You can get rid|of that one, too.
[Laughs]
Look it.
Davenport: Huh.
Ohh...
a lifetime ago.
Not to me.
[Chuckles]
Let's see this.
What?
How long are|we gonna do this?
Are you gonna just|keep ignoring me?
Come on, baby.|Come on, now.
What are you talkin' about?|I mean...
we're just having|a good time.
Why don't we--
You're just gonna|continue to act...
like you don't know|what I'm talking about?
Look, I don't know|what you're talking about.
You don't know--
I'm hungry, you know?|I mean, I walk in--
[Doorbell Rings]
Talk to me.
Jerome?
She kissed me.
What?|She kissed me.
I didn't even push her.
The only thing I did was|I walked her to her door...
I threw some|Japanese on her...
and then she kissed me.
Listen,|Seaman Fisher--
Oh, sir, I'm sorry|for knockin' on your door...
but I had to.|I had to talk to you.
Hello.
I'm sorry for bustin' in|on you like this.
You know,|this is highly irregular.
Yes, sir, I know.|But what am I gonna do?
I mean, we get underway|to Mexico next week...
and I'm startin' to get|serious with this girl.
Okay, okay.
Well, she'll be here|when you get back.
How do you know?|Maybe she won't.
Because if she has a fraction|of the bounce that you have...
she'll be here,|I guarantee you.
So you think|I should just chill?
That would be|a good suggestion.
- Chill. Yes.|- Okay.
I won't be doing|this again.
Thank you very much.|Good night.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.
Who was that?
A patient of mine.
[Locks Door]
He was, uh...|on his first date.
He was so excited.
He couldn't wait|to tell me about it.
Well, don't cure him.
[Excited Chatter]
Yeah!
[Celia Cruz Sings|La Vida Es Un Carnaval]
#Ay, no ha que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
Es mas bello|vivir cantando #
# Oh, oh, oh,|ay, no hay que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
# Ylas penas|se van cantando #
Show me what|you're working with!
Show me what you're|working with, whoo!
# Es un carnaval #
# Es mas bello|vivir cantando #
# Oh, oh, oh,|ay, no hay que llorar #
# Que la vida|es un carnaval #
# Ylas penas|se van cantando #
[New Song Begins]
[Sergeant Garcia|Sings Jumpi]
Hey!
All right, man!|Fish!
[Laughs]
I don't know about you,|but if my math is right...
we a lady short|at this table.
Kansas City:|Oh, you ain't know?
My man Fish says|he got himself a girlfriend.
She's in the navy.|Right, Fish?
Yeah, be writin' to her|every minute he can find.
Just so romantic.
Quieres bailar?
I don't understand.
Oh, you understand.
Quieres bailar?|Si. Si, bailar.
I don't know--
She wants to mate.
Do the dance.|You understand.
Woman:|Come, come!
Venga, venga.
No, I'm fine.
Let her oil|the old slave down.
What your girlfriend|don't know...
won't hurt you.
Hey, come on, man.|Get up, get up, get up.
No, I don't want to.
Grayson: You don't what?
You should leave him|alone, Grayson.
I'm not botherin' him.
But he didn't|answer my question.
What question?
You don't what?
How come I never seen you|with a girl, huh?
I mean, man says he's got|a girlfriend, right?
Well, anybody ever met her?
Huh?
Anybody?
Don't worry about it,|sweetheart.
You see,|he's a cherry boy.
Never been|to the sugar shack.
Too scared to go.
Fuck you, Grayson.
Huh?|What did you say?
You heard me.
Fuck me?
With all these women|in here?
You want me?
See what I mean,|brothers?
Hell, I'm worried|about you, Fish.
I mean, all this|action up in here.
Why you don't want|no woman?
Yeah. Faggot.
Here we go again.
[Excited Yelling]
[Telephone Rings]
Davenport.
What time does|his plane get in?
Okay. No, no,|I understand.
I understand.
Okay,just let me|talk to him first.
All right,|thank you.
[Door Opens]
I thought we were|all done fightin', Antwone.
Let me in.
The X.O. wired the statements|of your shipmates.
Now, do you wanna start|at the beginning?
Look, you're gonna|have to talk to me, son.
You better|tell me something...
'cause I'm all|you got right now.
Now, I'm tryin'|to work things out...
with|your commanding officer...
but you gotta|give me something.
I don't know|what to say.
So tell me|what happened.
They were frontin' me.
What do you mean,|frontin' you?
Some of the guys|were baggin' on me.
I couldn't take it.
How so?
I don't know.
Just, uh...
just makin'--|makin'jokes.
What kind of jokes?
Jokes about me with--
With women.
I wasn't takin' it.
What kind of jokes about|you bein' with women, Antwone?
Jokes like me|bein' a virgin.
Are you?
I don't know.
I might be.
Davenport: Okay.
Why do you think you|haven't been with a woman?
Think about it, son.
Must be a reason.|I mean, you're a...
good-lookin' young man.
Must've had|many opportunities.
Maybe you don't like women.|Maybe you like men.
I like women.
Maybe you don't|care about sex.
I care about sex.
I think about it|all the time.
All right. We're right|back where we started.
How come you've never|been with a woman?
I have.
Okay.
When?
[Sighs]
When?
When I was young.|There was--
There was a kiss.
Okay.
How was it?
I hated it.
It was t--
It was terrible.
Why?
I threw up.
Why?
Why?
Because...
because she put|her tongue in my mouth.
She--she always did.
Antwone:|That's my mama.
Keith: That|ain't your mama!
You said the other lady|was yours!
I changed!
What?|You can't change!
That's my mama!
Mrs. Tate: Nigger?
Nigger, you hear|me callin' you?
I said nigger.
Comin', Muh-deah!
Dwight! Keith!
Yes, Muh-deah.|Here--here I come.
Mrs. Tate: Get|your behinds down here.
And I told y'all not|to mess up your clothes!
And I told y'all not|to mess up your clothes!
- Nadine?|- Nadine: Yes?
We're gonna|be downtown...
at the social|service office.
Nadine: All right.
Twonny? You stay|with Nadine.
Yes, Muh-deah.
[Footsteps]
Twonny.
What you lookin' at|out there?
Hmm?
What you lookin' at?
That's it.
Gimme some sugar.
Now get on downstairs.
What did I say?
Get on downstairs.
In that basement|and drop 'em.
Nadine: Hurry up.
Now, unbutton 'em all.
Come on.
I said, come on! [Slap]
Now, pull 'em down.
You heard me, pull 'em down.
Pull 'em right over my feet.
Now get over here closer.
Closer. You don't|have to be afraid.
Now touch me.
You know you wanna.
Yeah, that's it. Kiss me.
Come on, now. I said kiss me.
Baby, gimme some sugar.
[Door Opens]
Girls:|# ...Mack, Mack, Mack #
# She asked her mother,|mother, mother-- #
Antwone!
Ooh! I'm gonna|tell on you!
[Breathing Heavily]
Jesse: What's up, man?|You all right?
[Panting]
Come on in.
You all right?
She did it again.
She hit you, too?
It's okay, Antwone.
You could stay here.
I'll look after you.
Come on. Let's|get you a shirt.
She made me--
She made me do these things.
And I was only a little boy.
If there was something|that I wouldn't do...
she would beat me.
And Jesse was the only one|you ever told?
Yes, sir.
She's the only woman|I ever seen naked.
I'm almost|25 years old.
I never done it.
That's embarrassing.
I hate it.
[Doorbell Rings]
Yes, can I help you|with something?
Hello, Ms. Davenport.
I'm Seaman Fisher.
Antwone Fisher, ma'am.
Well, what can|I do for you?
I'm here to see|the commander.
I'm one of his patients.|He told me to meet him here.
Well, he's not home yet.
But...
um...
Well, come on inside.|You can wait.
Would you like|some cider?
Sure. Thank you.
Seems you gettin' all ready|for Thanksgiving, ma'am.
Berta:|Don't call me ma'am.
You're gonna|make me feel old.
Call me Berta.
So, are you going home|for the holidays?
No, but the chief cook|on the ship...
he's plannin'|a big meal.
So I'll be there|for that.
That sounds nice.
Here you go.
Thank you. Very much.
Um...
first thing I saw...
first time I was|in his office...
it was you.
Yeah. It was|your picture.
I thought you|had a nice face...
a good face, and...|maybe he's all right...
if he married|a woman like you.
Davenport: You ready|to get started?
Yes, sir.
Nice meetin' you.
It was very nice|to meet you, too.
Okay.
I was just|tryin' to be nice.
Why don't you try bein'|nice on that ship?
Hmm?
Have a seat.
I like your house.
Thank you.
Tell me about|your house.
Your house the day|you left your family.
Sir?
The Tates. When they|threw you out.
Tell me about that.
Oh. It was back|to the orphanage.
Um...
they, uh--they|told me I needed...
to develop|my social skills.
Nobody was into|adoptin' teenage boys.
Uh...
they sent me|to a reform school...
in Pennsylvania.
That's where I got|my excellent skills I have now.
[Chuckles] Hmm...
What then?
Um...I was on my own.
The social worker,|she took me to a--
A men's shelter.
She gave me $67...
and, uh...
she said good-bye.
How long were you|at the shelter?
Just till|the next mornin'.
And?
I slept on a few|park benches...
and I came here.
To my house?
No, sir.
I joined the navy.
That's it.
I mean, that's|the Antwone Fisher story.
Okay.
That is it.
You're done for today.
Okay, sir.
Don't talk to my wife|anymore either. You hear me?
Yes, sir.
All right.
Davenport:|Seaman Fisher.
Sir?
Get up here.
What I do?
Cut the jaw jackin'.|Up here right now.
I don't know what|you think you're up to...
but you better be careful.
I didn't do anything.
You didn't do anything?
You didn't do anything?
I didn't do anything.
My wife is inviting|you to Thanksgiving.
She thinks you're|very charming.
Do you have any idea...
where she might've|gotten that impression?
Huh?
Look at me|when I'm talkin' to you.
No, sir.
Maybe she responds|to nice people.
Okay, nice people.|Next Thursday.
Thanksgiving,|my house...
my family,|my dinner table. 1 400.
Don't be late.
Yes, sir.
Get outta here.
[Antwone Sighs]
Cheryl: It's|nice out here.
How'd you find|this place?
It's a lighthouse.
I'm a sailor.
It found me.|[Laughs]
You knucklehead.|[Laughs]
You come|out here a lot?
Sometimes I come|out here to think.
Or to work out|some problems.
Mmm.
I know|what you mean.
Well, um...
[Sighs]
Can I be honest|with you?
Yeah.
[Sighs]
Remember when I, uh...
I told you that I was...
I was workin' on|that important paper?
Yeah. [Laughs]
Well, I lied.
I know.
You know?
Yeah.
You're seein'|a psychiatrist, aren't you?
[Laughs] Ohh...
you knew.
Yeah, I knew.
It wasn't that hard|to figure out.
Mmm...
Are you tryin'|to tell me I'm crazy?
No.
So?
So I'll understand|if you--
If you don't wanna|be bothered no more.
You're not|the only person...
that's seen|a shrink before.
Oh, you seen one?
No...
but I told you|my dad's a Vietnam vet.
He has.
I guess he made it, huh?
So, why--why are you|seein' a psychiatrist?
My life before the navy|was kind of complicated.
I was feelin' ashamed.
Of what?
Of bein' unwanted.
And, uh...
I didn't have|no parents.
Mmm...
You know, I was--
I was afraid|to even approach you.
Would you believe...
that...
I was too shy|to approach you?
- No.|- Yeah. [Laughs]
Um, until I realized|you were stalking me.
[Chuckles]|I wasn't stalking you.
[Laughs]
Well, if there's anything|I could do to help...
I'm here.
You're doin' it already.
What am I doin'?
Just bein' you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Um...
happy Thanksgiving.|Happy holidays, sir.
Happy holidays, ma'am.
I know.
It's...Berta.
Yeah.
Come on--come on in.
Hello.
I'm Antwone. [Ahem]
I, um...
Yeah, I'm hungry.
I could eat. [Laughs]
[Doorbell Rings]
1 400, huh?|What took you so long?
Oh, I stopped by|to get some cider, sir.
Okay. Good.|Happy holidays.
Thank you. Come on in.
Everybody's here|waitin' for you.
We're about|to say grace.
All right, everybody.|This is Antwone.
Antwone,|this is my family.
That's my mother|Johnny Mae.
That's my wife's|brother Uncle Duke.
- How you doin'?|- Hello, sir.
This is my dad Howard.
That's|my sister Gwen...
and her full-grown|daughter.
Hi, Antwone.
Oh, you wanna come|and sit next to her?
Gwen, Gwen. Uh...
Come on, baby.You come|on over here and sit.
Okay.
[Johnny Mae Chuckles]
Davenport: All right.
Duke, why don't you|lead us in prayer?
Okay.
Everybody join hands.
Let's bow our heads.
Heavenly Father...
we come to you|on bent knee...
and body bowed...
as humble as we know how.
We are grateful|for this opportunity...
to share another|Thanksgiving Day...
as a family.
We thank you|for our health...
O Lord, and for our friends...
who honor us|with their presence.
We also pray|for peace in the world...
and in our lives. Amen.
All: Amen.
All right.
This looks good.|Yeah!
[All Talking At Once]
Here's|a little piece.
Thank you. Mmm.
Honey, you want|some more turkey?
Oh, no,|thank you, ma'am.
Howard: Ohh, don't be actin'|all bashful around me.
Especially|at the dinner table.
Dad, leave|that boy alone.
Shoot!
Huh?|I'm okay.
All right, then,|let me see you dig in.
I mean, the food is free.
Howard...
You know, when I was|in the service...
back in the war--that was|before you were born--
Howard!
Anyway, I spent the holidays...
in Europe on guard duty,|and I--ohh!
I sure did miss my mama's|holiday cookin'. Whoo-oo!
Howard, would you|leave the boy alone?
Oh, I ain't botherin'|him none,Johnny Mae.
No, you leave me|alone, huh?
Baby,|he wants to eat!
Oh, no, look, I'm just|talkin' to the boy.
I'm sure he wants to be|home with his family, okay?
Hey, listen, let me|ask you something.
Where you from?
[Ahem] Cleveland.
Cleveland. Yeah?
Yeah.
Cleveland...
I bet you miss your mama's|holiday cookin'...
don't you? Huh?
Excuse me.
Where he goin'?
Howard: I don't know.
See? That's what happens|every holiday season.
Why do you want to|do that to the boy?
Y'all ran the boy|outta here!
That's what happens|every holiday!
I didn't run the boy out.|I was tryin'
to talk to the boy.
[ Skipped item nr. 1511 ]
[All Talking At Once]
You okay?
Yes, I'm okay.
I just never had|a real Thanksgiving...
at the Tates' before.
[Snorts] You didn't|have a real one...
over here either,|I guess. [Chuckles]
You have|a real nice family.
Thank you.
I got this for you...
for having me|over today.
Oh, you got a gift|for me. Is it money?
No.|[Laughs]
Oh, it's a poem.
I can't see|without my glasses.
Why don't you|read it for me?
Um, I'd rather|you read it.
Please.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Lost and all alone.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Abandoned without his own.
Who will cry|for the little boy?''
Both: ''He cried|himself to sleep.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
Who never had for keeps.''
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who walked the burning sand.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''The boy inside the man.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who knew well hurt and pain.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''Who died and died again.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
''A good boy he tried to be.
''Who will cry|for the little boy?
Who cries inside of me?''
Who will cry for|the little boy, Antwone?
I will.
[Ahem]
I always do.
It's beautiful,|Antwone.
I know. I told you|I was good.
Yes, you are.|You are good...
because|you're honest.
You're more honest|than most people...
even in your anger.
The only thing you're|not honest with yourself...
about is your need|to find your own family.
Your natural family.
I don't feel like|I need to look for them.
Mmm. It would answer|a lot of questions for you.
I don't have|any questions.
You're upset with them...
because you feel they|didn't come to your rescue.
Maybe they didn't know.
How could they|not have known?
That's a question|you need to ask them.
''Regard|without ill will...
despite an offense.''
That's Webster's definition|of forgiveness.
Why do I|have to forgive?
To free yourself...
so that you can get|on with your life.
Why I gotta go look|for my family?
I got you, Doc.
Berta: Ohh...
I think that he had|a good time tonight.
Davenport: Hmm?
Antwone.|I think that, uh...
he had a good time,|don't you?
Yeah, seemed like it.
He did the sweetest thing|at the door...
when he was|saying good-bye.
He invited me to come|to his ceremony.
You know he's graduating|from his Japanese class.
Yeah, I know.
Well, he wants|me to come.
To be with you.
What did you tell him?
I told him that I would|be honored,Jerome.
Okay...
okay.
Congratulations.
Petty Officer Fisher.|Good job.
Thank you, Commander.
I was waiting.|Cheryl, right?
[Chuckles]|How you doin', Cheryl?
It's a pleasure|to meet you.
Heard nothin' but|good things about you.
Where's your wife?
She couldn't make it.
She sends along|her congratulations.
A small gift for you.
Okay.
The Philosophy and Opinions|of Marcus Garvey.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.
Is there somewhere|we can talk in private?
Do you mind?
That's fine.|I don't mind.
Okay.|Nice to meet you.
Nice to|meet you, sir.
Hello?
[Sighs]|What's up, Doc?
[Chuckles]
How are you?
I'm good.
Yes, you are,|Antwone.
You're good.
I hear nothin'|but good things...
from your C.O.
Hear that you're|gettin' along very well...
with your shipmates.|I'm proud of you.
Thank you, sir.
Have you thought anymore|about finding your family?
I don't know.|For what?
Well, I just think|that there's really nothing...
more important|than that, Antwone.
What are you|tryin' to say, sir?
That I'm proud of you...
that I think|you've come a long way.
Okay.
You said that.|What's wrong?
There's|nothin' wrong.
You understand, this|is very difficult for me.
Our sessions have ended.
[Exhales]|Now, listen.
Just listen to me,|all right?
I've taken|the liberty of--
What do you mean,|they ended?
They--They ended, son,|and it's time for you...
to move on.|You can't stall here.
But you and me are|workin' out my problems.
You and me|can't work out--
You told me|that we need...
to figure out|my problems.
- Listen to me--|- Get off me!
[Door Opens]|Hey, get out!
- Get out!|- Nobody ever stays!
Everybody's|always leavin' me!
People grow.|People move on.
You've grown. It's time|for you to move on.
Hey, my mother left me!
My father!|I understand--
Jesse and you!
Jesse? What do you mean?
We shoulda never gone,|that's what.Jesse!
Jesse?|Tell me something--
Cow bells ringin'|in my fuckin' head!
Cow bells? Tell me|about the cow bells--
But I keep|trustin' people!
Trustin'...
[Crying]
What happened|toJesse, Antwone?
Stay away from me.
Nobody's takin'|anything else away...
from me no more.
[Sobbing]
[Sobbing]
[Doorbell Rings]
Jesse: Who is it?
[Knocking]
Jesse: Man, I just|asked who was it.
Fish! Oh! [Laughs]
Hey, what's up, dog?
What's up with you, man?
What's goin' on|with you, man?
Hey, man,|stop playin'.
Stop playin'?|All right...
don't make me|kick your ass now.
You know you can't|fight worth shit.
Man...
What's up|with you, man?
What's up|with you?
Where you been at?
Where you stayin'?|What's up?
Huh?
I'm at|the men's shelter.
On Prospect.
Where you stayin'|at, man? For real.
I'm on the street.
What you doin'|on the streets, man?
I got nowhere|else to go, man.
You ain't got|nowhere to go.
You couldn't|come to my house?
No, man. Your mom ain't|gonna let me stay up in here.
You trippin', man.|She ain't gotta know.
I mean,|she work all day...
sleep all night.|Besides...
there's so many|people stayin' up...
in this house,|[Chuckles]
She wouldn't even know|you're here no way, dog.
You can stay here,|for real.
Y'all got something|in the refrigerator?
Yeah, we got|something...
You hungry?
- I'm hungry.|- You hungry?
- Yeah, man.|- ''Yeah, man.''
- Stop playin'.|- Come in here.
I mean, you smell|like you been...
on the streets,|too, man.
Dang, slow down, man.
Ain't nobody|gonna take your food.
Hey--Hey, you|remember that time...
Mrs. Tate wouldn't let you|use her lotion?
She made you oil up|with old cooking grease instead.
You walking around all day...
smelling like|a fried chicken dinner.
You like,|''I sho' is hungry!''
Man, that was so funny.
That had me rolling|for real.
But not as funny|as your mother...
chasing you down the street|with that brick.
Oh, okay, okay.|You remember that?
Yeah, I remember that.
That was funny.
Dude, that|wasn't funny, man.
I still got the knot|in the back of my head.
Fish, you know you're|my best friend, right?
What you want?
What, I can't be happy|my dude back on the block?
Huh? I can't be happy|you back here at home, man?
I want you to do|something for me, though.
What?
Just look out for me.
Somebody after you?
Why somebody|got to be after me, man?
Huh?
I just want you|to look out for me, dude.
All right.
You my best friend, right?
Yeah, man.|Stop trippin', man.
Man, come on.|Let's get you cleaned up...
and hit the streets.
Yeah, I don't know.
You know Brenda.|I used to like her.
Psh. The Brenda|you used to like, dog...
got about, like,|3 kids now.
Gettin' all swole.|She big for real, dog.
Ain't no little bootie|Brenda no more.
Hey, how's your mother?
Aw, tsh, man,|she got knocked up.
For real?
Yeah.
Jesse: It's bad.
Go ahead, man.|Get you something.
I got you.
Break it off,|old man!
Jess,|what you doing?
This ain't no riddle.
This ain't nothing|you got to figure out.
-Jess--|- Hey, hold off, Fish.
Hey, you better|break off my loot!
- Hey,Jess, man--|- Look out for me, Fish.
[Bell Rings]
Antwone: And by the end|of the next day...
I was in boot camp.
I always felt like|Jesse was the lucky one...
and I envied him for it.
Well, how could he|be the lucky one? He's dead.
[ Skipped item nr. 1774 ]
Yeah, well,|he left me...
and he knew he was|the only one I had.
So, you're angry at him...
because you felt|he abandoned you.
Yes.
A little bit.
How is he the lucky one?
'Cause he don't|have to fight no more.
Neither do you.
So, you think|I'll make it?
I think|you already have.
What do you think?
I think, uh...
maybe in another|life or time...
I would have|been king.
When you locate|your family...
I want you|to contact me.
All right?|I want to hear all about it.
Yes, sir.
I love you, son.
[Voice Breaking]|I love you, too.
Who's this?
Guess who.
Antwone.
No, this|is Phillip Walker...
the late-night|stalker.
Aw.
Ha ha ha ha.
So...
I, um,|I'm going on leave.
When?
As soon as you|put your request in...
and come with me.
You serious?
Yes.
I just came back.
They're not gonna let me|leave again this year.
Can you ask|for emergency leave?
Tell them somebody|close to you...
is in desperate need.
Cheryl, I--
I really want you|to come with me.
I got these, uh...
2 open tickets.
To Cleveland.
You're gonna try|and find them.
Yeah.|I need to find them.
But not without|your help.
All right.|Let me see what I can do.
Antwone: First|the light-skinned girls.
They got adopted|the quickest.
Then the light-skinned boys...
and then|the dark-skinned girls...
and then,|last but not least...
the dark-skinned boys.
I'm really sorry.
All birth records|since 1 980...
have been moved|to social services.
Woman: Last contact|with your mother?
I was 2 months old.
And with father?
Never.
Place of birth.
Ohio State Correctional|Facility for Women.
I'll be right back.
I need you|to sign for me.
Best of luck,|Mr. Fisher.
Thank you.
Antwone:|There's nothing in here.
Why don't you go see|your foster mother?
- Who, Mrs. Tate?|- Yeah.
I'm not--I'm--
I'm not|going back.
Well, why not?
I mean, she might know|something about your family.
No.
I haven't|done this before.
Take a ride with me.
[Rings Doorbell]
If you selling shit,|just keep on walking.
Oh, my God.|Is that you, Antwone?
Come here, baby.
Don't touch me.
Yeah, it's me...
and I'm all grown up.
I'd like to speak|to Ms. Tate.
Well, you want|to come in?
No.
Would you like|to get her?
'Twon's here.
Mrs. Tate:|Lord have mercy.
Where's the child?
Oh, nigger!|Hug my neck.
Oh, nigger.
I-- Don't you know|how to come home?
Where you been?
I came for one thing:
whatever you can tell me|about my real family.
I don't know nothing|about your real peoples.
A name, number,|anything?
I said I don't know.
Now, come along.|Come on.
I remember everything.
Everything.
You could|have helped me...
but instead, you beat me|to dust, and you--
Boy, I don't know|what you're talking about--
Yes, you do.|I was 6 years old!
Now, you just listen--
No, you listen to me!
No, I think you done|forgotten--
I think you forgotten.|I said listen to me.
This is my time.
You understand me?
It don't matter...
what you tried to do.
You couldn't destroy me.
I'm still standing.
I'm still strong.
And I always will be.
Antwone.
Elkins.
Your father's name|was Edward Elkins.
You take Shaker Heights|and East Cleveland...
and I'm gonna take|Akron and Cleveland.
Yeah. 1 97 6.
Hello. Hi, um...
I'm looking for the family|of Edward Elkins.
Cheryl: Edward Elkins.
[Telephone Ringing]
Cheryl: Hello.
Hi, I'm looking|for the family...
no--Ed-ward.
E-D-W-A-R-D.
What? I'm speaking|clearly.
You can't--
Okay.
Well, thank--|thank you.
I'm looking|for the family...
of an Edward Elkins.
You should have said|that in the first place.
Wha--why you...
[Mutters]|Forget it, man.
Yeah, well,|we're from California.
Yes, it's very nice here.
Okay, well, thank you|for your help, ma'am.
Thank you. Bye.
Any luck?
What you got?
Chinese.
[Chuckles]
[Ring Ring]
[Ring Ring]
Hello?
Antwone:|Hello, ma'am.
Yes?
I'm looking|for the family...
of an Edward Elkins.
Hmm?
Wh-who is this calling|about Edward?
My name|is Antwone Fisher.
I didn't mean|to disturb you.
I'm just trying|to locate my family.
Honey, Edward Elkins|been dead...
a long time.
Yes, ma'am, I know...
a long time, but|he was my father.
Wait, wait, wait.|Who is this...
calling me up|out of nowhere?
How'd you|get this number?
I got your number|out of the phone book.
I been calling Elkins|all day.
Got no reason|to lie to you, ma'am.
Well, honey, Edward|never mentioned no...
What's your name again?
Antwone.
Antwone.
I don't think he knew|my mother was pregnant.
She was away in prison.
You know how he died?
Yes, ma'am.
He was murdered by|one of his girlfriends.
My God.
Wait.
What made you|decide to show up...
20-some-odd years later|in the middle of the night?
Mmm, that's|a long story.
But I'm in the navy...
and, uh, I'm stationed|on the west coast.
I gotta get back|in a few days.
Well, I--I want you to come|by my house before you go.
Okay.
Okay, look.|Y-Y-You have a pencil?
Take down my address.
Yeah.
It's 1 089 Drexel.
1 089 Drexel.
You know where that is?
Yes, ma'am.
All right, well, come by|my house tomorrow, hear?
- Okay. Um, ma'am...|- Yes?
You mind if I bring|my girlfriend with me?
Yes, fine. I'm--I'm looking|forward to meeting her.
I'm sure she's looking|forward to meeting you, too.
You--listen.|You know, if--
If Edward was your father...
then you talking|to your auntie, son.
You are talking|to your Auntie Annette...
your daddy's baby sister.
Well, I'll see you|tomorrow.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Good night.
Bye.
I found them.
Hmm?
I found my family.
You did?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, baby.
Mmm.
I don't know.|What do you think?
Well, he does|look like Eddie.
I do?
Yeah, you look|just like him.
Mm-hmm.
I brought|my birth certificate.
Born in '7 6.
That's the year|Edward died.
Antwone: Yeah, he--|He died in June...
and I was born|in August.
And your mother's name|is...
- Eva Mae Fisher.|- Eva Mae Fisher.
Eva?
I know Eva.|That's Jess's sister.
Who?
Jess.
You mean Fish?
Yeah, Fish.|Jess Fisher.
The boy's name|is Antwone Fisher.
That's Jess Fisher's|sister, Eva Mae.
You know, Mae-Mae.
She live over there|on Hodge Street.
No, I don't remember|no Mae-Mae.
Y-You know|where she lives?
You don't know her,|do you?
No. I--I--
No, no.
You want|to meet her?
Uh...
yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
You sure?
'Cause we can take care|of this right here and now.
Yeah, I'm sure.
Let me get my hat.
Want me|to go with you?
No, why don't you just stay|here with us, baby?
Okay, let's ride.
Bye.
You're not gonna let nothing|happen to me, are you?
No, Antwone.
I won't let nothing|happen to you.
[Dog Barking]
[Kids Shouting]
Woman, Grouchy:|Who is it?
Eva, it's James.|James Elkins.
Edward's brother.
Did you hear me, Eva?
This is James.
What you want?
Can we come in?
[Lock Turns]
Hey, Eva.
Hey.
It's all right,|son. Come on.
Who's that, Eva?
That's Johnny.
No.
That's Antwone|Quenton Fisher.
Who's Antwone|Quenton Fisher, Eva?
That's my first-born son.
[Sobbing]|Oh, God.
Ohh!
There's nothing|going on around here.
You wanna stay?
I'm gonna stay.
I'll be in the car.
Ahem.
You want|something to eat?
No.
Why'd you never|come for me?
Didn't you wonder|where I was...
or what I was doing...
or what I'd become...
or even if I|was still alive?
Didn't you?
I've taken care|of myself.
I have.
I've never been|in trouble with the law.
I've read|hundreds of books...
written poems...
painted pictures.
I've traveled|the world.
I serve my country.
I speak 2 languages...
and I'm working|on a third.
I never fathered|any children.
I've never|done drugs...
or even|smoked a cigarette.
I used to dream|about you.
My mother.
My mother.
You know,|what you'd be like.
How you look.
Your voice|and your smile.
Even your scent.
For all these years|I wondered about you.
I dreamed about you.|Didn't you miss me?
On the way to school|each day...
I imagined you were just|around the next corner...
and when I'd get there,|you'd be there.
And in my mind,|you was always there.
You just|couldn't find me.
So I'd race|to the next corner...
and you'd be there.
I'd know you would.
Then you would|buy me ice cream.
And then you would|take me home.
I'm a good person.
I'm a good man.
Hey, boy, how you doin'?|I'm your Uncle Horace.
Get out of the way, Horace.|Come on, baby. Here he is!
Oh, look at you!|Look at you!
I'm your Aunt Eda,|baby.
Ooh, I'm your|cousin Jeanette.
Welcome home!
And I'm your Aunt Anna.|How you doin', baby?
This is my wife, ''T.''
How you doin',|good-lookin'?
I'm your cousin Eddie.
My dad named me|after your father.
And this is my brother Ray.
Whassup, dog?|What's crackin', man?
Hey, I'm your cousin Jason,|man. What's happenin'?
All right, boys,|open up.
- Aww.|- Aww.
Welcome.
All right.
Come on,|let's eat!
You want|some pancakes? Ooh.
Sure, sure.
Here we go.
How about|some sausages?
I'm not a virgin|anymore.
I'm glad to hear that.
How you doin', son?
I'm great, sir.
All right. Good.|Good, good.
Very good|to see you.
So?
I took your advice.
I found my family|and I found my mother.
Good.
Yeah.
So?
Well, in my heart|I forgive her...
but if I never|saw her again...
I understand.
It's funny to feel that way|about your mother...
but I did it...
and I owe it to you to tell you|that you were right.
You owe it to me?
Yes, sir.
I needed to find her.
Yeah. Well...
if I was right, it was|for all the wrong reasons.
Sir?
This stays between|you and me, okay?
Yes, sir.
My wife and I, we were gonna|have a bunch of kids...
when we found out|we couldn't have any.
And it rocked her|to the core.
I knew what to do for her,|though.
She needed help, treatment.
I made sure she had it.
The best psychiatrist,|the one that trained me.
But I--the well one,|the strong one--
At the same time I went about|the business of shutting down.
Very subtle, very quiet.|It was my little secret.
Until one day, a young man came|into my office and into my life...
and he blew up that little|secret, right in my face.
And he put me to shame in a way|I never thought possible.
Because of you, Antwone,|I'm a better doctor...
and I'm learning|to be a better husband.
You don't owe me anything.|I owe you.
You're the champ, son.
You've beaten everybody|who was beating you.
I salute you.
You hungry, sailor?
I could eat, sir.
Let's go.