Good Fences (2003)
A sharp, socially charged drama about a Black family's pursuit of the American Dream — and the prejudice waiting for them on the other side.
Good Fences - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Ernest R. Dickerson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, TV Movie
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 22, 2003 (United States - R), October 4, 2004 (France - 12)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Good Fences - Plot
Set in the 1970s, Tom Spader is an attorney who is determined to end what he has dubbed "the colored man's losing streak." When his winning of a high-profile case thrusts him into the limelight, he decides to move his wife and their two kids out of their mixed lower-middle-class town and into the posh enclave of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Where to Watch Good Fences
Looking for where to watch Good Fences?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Good Fences - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ernest R. Dickerson
Main Cast
- Danny Glover
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Marie V. Cruz
- Munro Chambers
- Mo'Nique
- Ryan Michelle Bathe
- Marlyne Barrett
- Thomas Chambers
- Joy Tanner
Producers
- Danny Glover
- Whoopi Goldberg
Good Fences - FAQs
What is Good Fences about?
Good Fences follows Tom Spader, an ambitious Black attorney in 1970s America who moves his wife and two children from their mixed neighborhood into the wealthy enclave of Greenwich, Connecticut after winning a high-profile case. The film explores the family's struggle with racial prejudice, social ambition, and identity in a privileged white community.
Who are the main actors in Good Fences?
Danny Glover and Whoopi Goldberg lead the cast as Tom and Mabel Spader. They're joined by Mo'Nique, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Marlyne Barrett, Marie V. Cruz, Munro Chambers, Thomas Chambers, and Joy Tanner. Glover and Goldberg also served as producers on the film.
Is Good Fences based on a true story?
Good Fences is based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Joanna Trollope, adapted for the screen. While the story is fictional, it draws on very real social tensions of 1970s America, particularly the experiences of upwardly mobile Black families navigating predominantly white, affluent communities.
Where can you stream Good Fences?
You can stream Good Fences on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, and The Roku Channel. Free ad-supported options include Tubi TV, YouTube Free, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, The CW, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. It's also available via the Shout! Factory Amazon Channel.
How does racial prejudice shape the story in Good Fences?
Racial prejudice is at the heart of Good Fences. Despite Tom Spader's professional success, the family encounters hostility and exclusion from their new Greenwich neighbors. The film examines how racism operates even in polished, upper-class settings, and how it fractures the family's sense of belonging and identity.
Who directed Good Fences?
Good Fences was directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, a filmmaker known for his work in both film and television. Dickerson brings a grounded, character-driven approach to the story, drawing strong performances from his lead cast while keeping the social commentary sharp and emotionally resonant throughout the film.
When was Good Fences released?
Good Fences premiered on January 22, 2003, in the United States, where it carried an R rating. It later received a French release on October 4, 2004, rated 12. The film originally aired as a TV movie, bringing its story of race, ambition, and family to a wide television audience.
What are some movies similar to Good Fences?
If Good Fences resonated with you, you might enjoy American Son (2019), which also tackles race and family tension with raw intensity. Dead Presidents (1995) explores Black American identity in a different era, while Somewhere in Queens (2023) and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead (2018) offer similarly sharp family dynamics.
More About Good Fences
Explore further details about Good Fences on these trusted resources.