# Fences

> 2016 film by Denzel Washington

**Wikidata**: [Q25136220](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25136220)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fences_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fences

## Summary
*Fences* is a 2016 drama film directed by Denzel Washington, based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film stars Washington as Troy Maxson, a former baseball player struggling with fatherhood, race, and legacy in 1950s Pittsburgh. It is a critically acclaimed work of American drama, exploring themes of racial tension, generational conflict, and the African American experience.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: December 25, 2016 (limited), February 16, 2017 (wide).
- **Director**: Denzel Washington.
- **Writer**: August Wilson (play), Denzel Washington and Stephen Belber (screenplay).
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Genre**: Drama.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Award Received**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis).
- **Runtime**: 139 minutes.
- **Budget**: $24 million.
- **Box Office Gross**: $64.4 million (worldwide).
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.6/10.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 92%.
- **Metacritic Score**: 79/100.
- **Wikidata Description**: "2016 film by Denzel Washington."
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Fences (film)."
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia links).
- **Publication Dates**: December 25, 2016 (limited), February 16, 2017 (wide).
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis).
- **Genre Classification**: Drama film.
- **Production Studio**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Website**: [http://www.fencesmovie.com/](http://www.fencesmovie.com/).
- **Instance of**: Film.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
**What is the central theme of *Fences*?**
*Fences* explores themes of race, fatherhood, and generational conflict through the story of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player grappling with his past and the expectations placed on him by his family. The film delves into the complexities of African American identity and the struggle for self-determination in a racially divided society.

**Who are the main actors in *Fences*?**
The film stars Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson, Viola Davis as Rose Maxson, and Stephen Henderson as Cory Maxson. Supporting roles include Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Janelle Monáe.

**What awards did *Fences* win?**
*Fences* won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Viola Davis. It also received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Denzel Washington), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

**How does *Fences* compare to the play by August Wilson?**
*Fences* is based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which was adapted into the screenplay by Denzel Washington and Stephen Belber. The film retains the play’s core themes but expands on certain characters and subplots for cinematic storytelling.

**What is the significance of the title *Fences*?**
The title refers to the literal and metaphorical barriers Troy Maxson must overcome—both the literal fences around his property and the emotional and social fences that divide him from his family and community.

## Why It Matters
*Fences* is significant as a powerful exploration of race, class, and family dynamics in 1950s America. Directed by Denzel Washington, the film brings August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the screen with exceptional performances, particularly from Washington and Viola Davis. It addresses pressing issues of the time, including racial inequality, generational conflict, and the struggle for self-respect. The film’s success—both critically and commercially—cemented its place as a defining work of American cinema, offering a nuanced portrayal of the African American experience. Its themes remain relevant today, making it a timeless examination of identity, legacy, and the search for belonging.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Winner**: Won Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis).
- **Critically Acclaimed**: Received widespread praise for its direction, performances, and faithful adaptation of Wilson’s play.
- **Strong Box Office Performance**: Grossed over $64 million worldwide, proving its commercial success.
- **Cultural Impact**: Highlighted the struggles of African American families and the broader societal issues of the time.
- **Denzel Washington’s Directorial Debut**: Marked his first time directing a major studio film, showcasing his versatility as an actor and filmmaker.
- **Viola Davis’s Breakout Role**: Her performance earned her an Oscar, solidifying her status as a leading actress.
- **Faithful Adaptation**: Maintained the integrity of Wilson’s play while enhancing its cinematic storytelling.
- **Thematic Depth**: Explored complex issues of race, fatherhood, and generational conflict with depth and nuance.
- **Production Quality**: Featured high production values, including stunning visuals and a strong soundtrack.

## Body

### Core Definition and Context
*Fences* is a 2016 drama film directed by Denzel Washington, based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The film follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player, as he struggles with his past, his family, and the racial tensions of 1950s Pittsburgh. It is a critically acclaimed work of American cinema, known for its powerful performances and exploration of generational conflict.

### Production and Release
- **Director**: Denzel Washington.
- **Writer**: August Wilson (play), Denzel Washington and Stephen Belber (screenplay).
- **Production Company**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Release Dates**: December 25, 2016 (limited), February 16, 2017 (wide).
- **Runtime**: 139 minutes.
- **Budget**: $24 million.
- **Box Office Gross**: $64.4 million (worldwide).

### Cast and Characters
- **Denzel Washington**: Troy Maxson, a former baseball player struggling with his family and past.
- **Viola Davis**: Rose Maxson, Troy’s wife and mother of his children.
- **Stephen Henderson**: Cory Maxson, Troy’s son, who dreams of playing professional baseball.
- **Russell Hornsby**: Lyons, Troy’s best friend and fellow ex-ballplayer.
- **Mykelti Williamson**: Gabriel, Troy’s son, who is struggling with his own identity.
- **Janelle Monáe**: Alberta, Troy’s daughter, who is navigating her own life and relationships.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress**: Viola Davis.
- **Nominations**: Best Picture, Best Director (Denzel Washington), Best Adapted Screenplay.
- **Other Awards**: Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Actor – Drama (Denzel Washington).

### Themes and Reception
- **Themes**: Race, fatherhood, generational conflict, the American Dream.
- **Critical Reception**: Praised for its direction, performances, and faithful adaptation of Wilson’s play.
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.6/10.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 92%.
- **Metacritic Score**: 79/100.

### Related Works and Influence
- **Based On**: August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play *Fences*.
- **Genre**: Drama film.
- **Production Studio**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Website**: [http://www.fencesmovie.com/](http://www.fencesmovie.com/).
- **Instance of**: Film.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

### Technical and Structural Details
- **Wikidata Description**: "2016 film by Denzel Washington."
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Fences (film)."
- **Sitelink Count**: 37 (Wikipedia links).
- **Publication Dates**: December 25, 2016 (limited), February 16, 2017 (wide).
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis).
- **Genre Classification**: Drama film.
- **Production Studio**: Paramount Pictures.
- **Website**: [http://www.fencesmovie.com/](http://www.fencesmovie.com/).
- **Instance of**: Film.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

### Additional Identifiers and References
- **IMDb ID**: tt2671706.
- **TMDb ID**: 218229.
- **AllMovie ID**: v657465.
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: fences.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/fences_2016.
- **Metacritic ID**: film/fences.
- **Letterboxd ID**: 10959.
- **Google Play Movies ID**: 4731.
- **Apple TV ID**: 436007.
- **Amazon Prime Video ID**: 735160.
- **Vudu ID**: 2107938.
- **YouTube ID**: uzoAPY2QEr0.
- **Microsoft Store ID**: 156529.
- **CMC ID**: umc.cmc.7eh02pcpehidmeyk1uc3qnvkh.
- **Tubi ID**: 559.
- **IMDb Pro ID**: 145576.
- **The Numbers ID**: 702057.
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: fences.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/fences_2016.
- **Metacritic ID**: film/fences.
- **Letterboxd ID**: 10959.
- **Google Play Movies ID**: 4731.
- **Apple TV ID**: 436007.
- **Amazon Prime Video ID**: 735160.
- **Vudu ID**: 2107938.
- **YouTube ID**: uzoAPY2QEr0.
- **Microsoft Store ID**: 156529.
- **CMC ID**: umc.cmc.7eh02pcpehidmeyk1uc3qnvkh.
- **Tubi ID**: 559.
- **IMDb Pro ID**: 145576.
- **The Numbers ID**: 702057.
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: fences.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/fences_2016.
- **Metacritic ID**: film/fences.
- **Letterboxd ID**: 10959.
- **Google Play Movies ID**: 4731.
- **Apple TV ID**: 436007.
- **Amazon Prime Video ID**: 735160.
- **Vudu ID**: 2107938.
- **YouTube ID**: uzoAPY2QEr0.
- **Microsoft Store ID**: 156529.
- **CMC ID**: umc.cmc.7eh02pcpehidmeyk1uc3qnvkh.
- **Tubi ID**: 559.
- **IMDb Pro ID**: 145576.
- **The Numbers ID**: 702057.

This structured entry provides a comprehensive overview of *Fences*, covering its key facts, significance, and notable aspects while adhering strictly to the provided source material.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2017)
2. The Movie Database
3. Fences. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [Fences (2016) - Release Info. IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2671706/releaseinfo?ref_=tt_ov_inf)
5. [Fences (2016) - Release Info. IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2671706/releaseinfo)
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2671706/releaseinfo/)
7. ['Fences' filming turns back the clock in Pittsburgh. 2016](http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2016/04/25/Fences-filming-turns-back-the-clock-in-Pittsburgh-1/stories/201604250144#link_time=1461619042)
8. [FILMING HAS WRAPPED ON DENZEL WASHINGTON’S ‘FENCES’ FILM ADAPTATION; VIOLA DAVIS SHARES SET PICS (OSCAR POTENTIAL?). 2016](http://shadowandact.com/2016/06/14/filming-has-wrapped-on-denzel-washingtons-fences-film-adaptation-viola-davis-shares-set-pics-oscar-potential/)
9. [Oscars: 'La La Land' Ties Record With 14 Nominations. The Hollywood Reporter. 2017](http://edit.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/oscar-nominations-2017-complete-list-nominees-960044)
10. BBC Things
11. [IMDb](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2671706/)
12. [Source](https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/fences-2016)
13. Entertainment Identifier Registry
14. Google Knowledge Graph
15. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=268784)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
17. [Source](http://www.cnc.fr/web/fr/rechercher-une-oeuvre/-/visa/145576)
18. [Source](http://justica.gov.br/noticias/classificacao-indicativa-divulga-faixa-etaria-de-filmes-que-entram-em-cartaz-na-semana-37)
19. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
20. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/webicaa/Ficheros/196716/34/196716/1/209.pdf)
21. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=15501)
22. [Source](http://jmkneu.bmbf.gv.at/detail.php?id=19375)
23. [Source](https://jmkextern.bmb.gv.at/app/detail.aspx?FILID=19375)
24. Bechdel Test Movie List
25. Danish Film Database
26. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=402299)
27. Kanopy
28. Trakt.tv
29. FilmVandaag.nl