Released in 2016, Fences is a powerful American drama film that explores the complexities of family, racism, and dreams. With its brilliant screenplay and remarkable performances, the movie received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Alongside its compelling narrative, Fences is also known for its thought-provoking dialogue and unforgettable quotes that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
One of the most memorable quotes from Fences comes from its lead character, Troy Maxson, brilliantly portrayed by Denzel Washington. As Troy reflects on his past and the challenges he has faced, he delivers a line that encapsulates the struggles of many individuals: “Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.” This profound statement highlights the walls we create in our lives and the impact they have on our relationships and personal growth.
The film also showcases the powerful talents of Viola Davis, who won an Academy Award for her role as Rose Maxson. One of her most poignant lines is when she confronts Troy about his infidelity and shattered dreams, declaring, “I been standing with you! I been right here with you, Troy. I got a life, too. I gave 18 years of my life to stand in the same spot as you! Don’t you think I ever wanted other things? Don’t you think I had dreams and hopes? What about my life? What about me?” This emotional plea speaks to the sacrifices made in the pursuit of love and the untold stories that often go unnoticed.
Fences Movie Summary
Fences is a critically acclaimed film directed by Denzel Washington and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the movie follows the life of Troy Maxson, a working-class African American man and former baseball star who now works as a garbage collector.
The film explores themes of race, family, dreams, and the constraints of society. Troy struggles with his past as a talented baseball player and his disappointment in not being able to achieve more due to the racial barriers of the time. He harbors a deep sense of resentment and bitterness and often takes it out on his loved ones, particularly his wife, Rose, and their son, Cory.
Troy’s relationship with his eldest son, Lyons, also reflects his frustrations. Lyons is a struggling musician, and Troy’s skepticism and disapproval of his son’s career choices create tension between them. However, despite their conflicts, the movie also highlights moments of love, tenderness, and loyalty within the Maxson family.
As the story progresses, Troy’s buried secrets and the choices he has made begin to catch up with him, leading to devastating consequences for his relationships and the people he cares about most. The film serves as a powerful examination of the human condition, the complexities of family dynamics, and the consequences of unfulfilled dreams.
Fences received critical acclaim for its excellent performances, especially Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Rose Maxson. The movie’s dialogue is gripping, thoughtful, and insightful, capturing the essence of August Wilson’s powerful play.
| Director | Denzel Washington |
|---|---|
| Writer | August Wilson (play and screenplay) |
| Release Date | December 16, 2016 |
| Running Time | 139 minutes |
| Starring | Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson |
Award-Winning Film
Fences is an award-winning film directed by Denzel Washington, based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The film was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis.
The movie tells the story of Troy Maxson, a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh, and his struggles with race, family, and the harsh realities of life. Denzel Washington gives a powerful performance as Troy, bringing the character to life with his dynamic acting skills.
The screenplay, also written by August Wilson, captures the essence of the play and explores themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of past mistakes on future relationships. The dialogue is poignant and thought-provoking, leaving the audience with a deep connection to the characters.
Fences is a moving and introspective film that sheds light on the African American experience during a time of great social change. It challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to confront the complexities of race and identity. The performances, direction, and screenplay all contribute to making Fences a truly award-winning film.
Best Quotes from Fences Movie
“Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.”
This powerful line from the film Fences speaks to the theme of barriers and how they can both protect and trap us. It highlights the complexity of human relationships and the choices we make to either keep others at a distance or let them into our lives.
“You got to take the crookeds with the straights.”
This quote, spoken by Troy Maxson, the protagonist of Fences, emphasizes the importance of accepting the challenges and imperfections that life throws at us. It speaks to the resilience and strength required to navigate through the ups and downs of life.
“I’ve done risen to the top like cream.”
Troy Maxson, played by Denzel Washington, delivers this line with a mix of pride and triumph. It showcases his determination and achievements in the face of adversity. Despite the barriers he faces as a black man in 1950s America, Troy refuses to be held back and takes pride in his accomplishments.
“Don’t you think I ever wanted other things? Don’t you think I had dreams and hopes? What about my life? What about me?”
This poignant quote, spoken by Rose Maxson, Troy’s wife, is a cry for recognition and validation. It reflects the sacrifices she has made and the unfulfilled dreams she has put on hold for the sake of her family. It explores the concept of selflessness and the toll it can take on an individual’s happiness.
“Seems like I spent my whole life in somebody’s kitchen.”
This line, spoken by Troy, conveys a sense of weariness and dissatisfaction. It speaks to his frustration at feeling trapped and unseen in his own life. It captures the longing for something more and the untapped potential that exists within him.
“The only thing Troy Maxson got going for him is the flush of the toilet.”
This quote, delivered by Troy’s son, Cory, is filled with bitterness and resentment. It shows the strained relationship between father and son, as well as the disappointment Cory feels towards Troy. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of success, personal relationships can still suffer.
“Death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner.”
This quote, spoken by Troy, uses a baseball metaphor to discuss the inevitability of death. It reflects Troy’s pragmatic view of mortality and his belief that it is just another part of life. It speaks to his hardened outlook on the world and his ability to face difficult truths.
“Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.”
This powerful line from the film Fences speaks to the theme of barriers and how they can both protect and trap us. It highlights the complexity of human relationships and the choices we make to either keep others at a distance or let them into our lives.
Inspiring Lines
The movie “Fences” is filled with powerful and inspiring lines that resonate with audiences. Here are some of the most memorable quotes from the film:
| “Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.” |
| “You got to take the crookeds with the straights.” |
| “The only thing you got going is what you got in you. That’s all that counts.” |
| “Don’t you strike out. You swing at that one, that lets you know they’re not as good as you. You don’t hit that one, you come back with a fastball.” |
| “You ain’t never done nothing but hold me back. Afraid I was gonna be better than you.” |
| “Death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner.” |
| “You got to take the crookeds with the straights. That’s what Papa used to say.” |
These lines are a testament to the strength and resilience of the characters in the film, and they serve as reminders to never give up, even when faced with adversity.
Memorable Quotes from Fences
The movie Fences is filled with powerful and thought-provoking dialogue that stays with you long after the credits roll. These memorable quotes capture the raw emotions and complex relationships depicted in the film.
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“I’ve made some sacrifices for you. I’ve done some things for you, too. And you’re gonna sit up here and tell me you couldn’t get that football?” – Troy Maxson |
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“Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.” – Rose Maxson |
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“I don’t want him to be like me! I want him to move as far away from my life as he possibly can get. You the only decent thing that ever happened to me.” – Troy Maxson |
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“Death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner.” – Gabriel Maxson |
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“How come you ain’t never liked me?” – Cory Maxson |
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“Ain’t nothing wrong with asking yourself the big questions, now and then, brother.” – Bono |
These quotes from Fences remind us of the power of human connection, the struggles of life, and the importance of family. They give us a glimpse into the characters’ lives and make us reflect on our own experiences.
Fences Movie Quotes and Themes
Fences is a critically acclaimed film based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The movie explores themes of family, race, and the American Dream through the lens of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player-turned-garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh.
“Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in.” This quote, spoken by Troy Maxson, serves as a recurring motif throughout the film. Troy uses the metaphor of fences to represent the barriers he has constructed in his own life. He has built walls around himself and his family, both physical and metaphorical, as a defense mechanism, but in doing so, he also isolates himself and creates tensions within his relationships.
Another powerful quote from the film is “Death ain’t nothing but a fastball on the outside corner.” This line, also spoken by Troy, serves as a metaphor for how Troy views death. To him, death is inevitable and can come unexpectedly, much like a pitch in a baseball game. This quote demonstrates Troy’s acceptance of his own mortality and his resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
The theme of fathers and sons is central to Fences. Troy’s strained relationship with his son, Cory, is a major source of conflict in the film. Troy’s own experiences as a father influence his interactions with Cory, and their clashing aspirations highlight the generation gap between them.
Race is another prominent theme in Fences. Set in the 1950s, the film depicts the systemic racial inequalities of the time. Characters like Troy face barriers in their personal lives and professional aspirations due to the color of their skin, adding an additional layer of complexity to the story.
Fences is a thought-provoking film that tackles important themes and provides powerful insights into the human condition. Through its memorable quotes and compelling storytelling, it leaves a lasting impact on viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own fences and the barriers they may have erected in their lives.
Exploring Themes in the Film
Fences is a powerful film that delves into several thought-provoking themes. Here are some of the main themes explored in the movie:
- Family and Relationships: The film delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the relationships between its characters. It explores the impact of past choices on family members and the struggles they face in maintaining their relationships.
- Race and Discrimination: Set in 1950s America, Fences tackles the issue of race and discrimination. The characters face racial barriers and systemic oppression, which impact their lives and limit their opportunities.
- Dreams and Ambitions: The film examines the dreams and ambitions of its characters. It highlights the tension between personal aspirations and the responsibilities of family and society. It explores how dreams can be both empowering and limiting.
- Fatherhood and Masculinity: Fences explores the concept of fatherhood and the expectations placed on men in society. It demonstrates the struggles faced by the protagonist Troy as he tries to provide for his family and navigate the complexities of his role as a father.
- Guilt and Redemption: The film touches upon themes of guilt and redemption. Characters grapple with their past mistakes and try to find redemption and forgiveness. It explores the impact of guilt on personal relationships and the quest for redemption.
These themes intertwine to create a rich and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with audiences. Fences offers an in-depth exploration of these themes, revealing the complexity and challenging nature of human experiences.