Denzel Washington's directorial debut doesn't stray too far from any reasonable film fan's expectations of a movie directed by one of Hollywood's most acclaimed and well-respected actors who is still riding high on his Oscar win.

Very Hollywood-y but nonetheless moving and absorbing, the film tells of a sailor, Antwone - pronounced Antoine - played by newcomer Derek Luke, who is prone to aggression and violent attacks if provoked even slightly.

He is sent to a naval psychiatrist (Washington) who has trouble getting through to him at first, but when he does open up, a hideous past is revealed.

He appears to have been traumatised by a childhood filled with psychological, physical and sexual abuse. Unwanted, born in jail and never searched for by his natural parents, Antwone has grown up into a confused adult.

But he's not unloved. Although his aggression gets the better of him, he still seems to find it surprisingly easy to attract the prettiest girl in the Navy who provides the required emotional and physical support throughout his journey of self-discovery.

Bearing in mind that Washington is a current Hollywood golden boy, the film lives up to his reputation. With powerhouse acting, an almost flawless script and the necessary dollop of schmaltz, tears will be shed over Antwone Fisher's story from American East Coast to West.

A more harsh and cynical British audience may not take so kindly to the psychiatrist telling his patient that he's like a son to him and that he loves him at the end of the film. But nonetheless it's impossible not to become absorbed in the beleaguered life of this poor soul and to whoop with joy (silently, deep inside) when something comes right for him.

Natalie Stone