Is this film better than "Moonlight"?
And "Manchester by the Sea"?
shareIt's better than Moonlight, in my opinion. I like Manchester better but overall Denzel and Violas performances are stronger because of the story itself.
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MovieChat Forums > Fences (2016) Discussion > Is this film better than "Moonlight"?
For overall film I would give it to Moonlight or Manchester, but Denzel's performance in this was better than anyone in all three films.
This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell out of here-Michael Scott
All three movies are worth seeing. I liked "Fences" the least of the three -- because it was overly talky and stagy -- but I liked it a lot.
shareNo.
Moonlight: 9/10
Manchester by the Sea: 7.5/10
Fences: 6/10
Better than Moonlight? YES! I did not see Manchester.
Top Ten Of 2016. 1. Fences 2. Nocturnal Animals 3. Neon Demon 4. Ixcanul 5. Moana 6. Allied 7. The Birth of a Nation 8. Morris From America 9. Southside with you 10. KICKS
If looking at film as a distinctive art form that can be used to tell stories in new ways, it's nowhere near on the level of Moonlight. But it's a somewhat ridiculous comparison. Fences is a fairly straightforward adaptation of a stage play. It's not particularly cinematic at all. But it's a supremely well-constructed stage play that deals with complex characters and themes. Fences is dialogue-driven, and nearly every scene is a dramatic showcase for its two leads.
What Fences, Moonlight, and Manchester by the Sea all have in common is that the films are each structured in such a way that the audience is forced to develop deep empathy for a man whom they would ordinarily view with disgust or contempt. They are all very good films, but I found Manchester to be the most overtly manipulative and sentimental. Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams have that one perfect scene together near the end,but too often the film depends on working-class New England tropes rather than fully developed characters. Fences is a far richer film on that front, but I can see how some audiences might tire of a story that requires the audience to show vastly more empathy for the lead character than the lead character ever shows for anyone else in the film.
I agree. Manchester by the Sea was not nearly as strong overall as Moonlight and Fences.
I thought Moonlight was brilliant and powerful in every way, with 6 actors worthy of Academy Awards. Fences was brilliantly done by Viola and Denzel, but I can't say it's as powerful as Moonlight.
What Fences, Moonlight, and Manchester by the Sea all have in common is that the films are each structured in such a way that the audience is forced to develop deep empathy for a man whom they would ordinarily view with disgust or contempt.
Hold on...Why would anyone feel contempt for Chiron?
Stop listening to the static. share
I have yet to see Manchester and Moonlight. They are on my list
shareThe short answer would be no, sir farty.
But imho this reminds us that awards are illogical. I think Fences deserves the Best Picture Oscar, but all three are excellent films. I know we love to do this, but to put one above the rest is a exercise in futility.
Schrodinger's cat walks into a bar and doesn't.
Both films are much better than Fences, in my opinion.
And I really like Fences.