10 Films You Didn't Watch (But Should)

Stage plays don't automatically make great films when translated to the screen; it takes a skilled director to bring the story to life in a new artform. Denzel Washington met the challenge and delivered an excellent performance not only as the film's director, but also as one of its leading actors.

The story that's told in Fences is powerful, soulful, and emotional. It requires dedicated and purposeful performances from all cast members in order to truly be compelling. Denzel got exactly that from his co-stars, especially Viola Davis, which comes as no surprise based on how her career has gone. Each scene is as formidable as the last, as Denzel's Troy and Viola's Rose try to teach their son valuable lessons while simultaneously battling their own demons. The entire family struggles through lots of pain and stress, and it paints a vivid picture of how difficult life can be.

The emotional turmoil the family goes through, Rose especially, is palpable thanks to how finely acted the drama is. This is a film that sticks in the mind for a long time, which is something not many films can boast about.