Fighting Words

An angry coffeehouse poet meets an attractive, conservative publisher, who is interested in his work. She wants him to enter the Los Angeles Poetron, a contest where poetry is read competitively. Jake rejects the idea because he believes poetry is an art and not a competition. But the beautiful Marni sways Jake—it’s love at first sight.

Directed by E. Paul Edwards, Fighting Words leans on a strong ensemble — C. Thomas Howell, Cristina Maxwell, Fred Williamson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2006.