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The Great Debaters

2007 DVD Certificate TBC.gif
  • Rated:
  • 80
  • from 41 members

A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. Read more

Starring Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker
Director Denzel Washington
Run time 123 mins
Genres Drama

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  • Critics' reviews of The Great Debaters

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  • 1 stars out of

    The rules of formal debate are clear. Avoid emotional appeals. Empty rhetoric will cost you. Stick to the facts.... read more on Time Out

    • Joshua Rothkopf, 
    • Time Out
  • Most helpful member's review of The Great Debaters

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  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Elucidating entertainment,

    THE GREAT DEBATERS is a movie-going treat, with young people exemplifying truth, respect, pride and dignity. In an entertaining way, with some preaching, this movie shows four African-American debaters succeeding in the face of adversity, growing stronger with success AND defeat. Their debates are lively and thought provoking.

    However, before, during and after these contests, other serious and complicated issues are revealed. Two of these issues deal with a confrontation on the road between two farmers and a minister, and a lynching in the middle of the night. Both are reflections of the time, unsettling and disturbing to those in the movie and in the audience.

    This is not family entertainment, nor is it mindless entertainment. It has no gratuitous sex, but there is a hint of romance. It is fast paced, but the action is verbal – not physical. THE GREAT DEBATERS lives up to its name in that it has something for everyone, and not everyone will like it. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a quality film that will be debated by all who see it!

    Well done, Mr Washington !!! Denzel Washington's second feature as director and done a fantastic job !!! It's a really great movie with lot of feel good factor.

    And young Mr Denzel Whitaker as the young prodigy - outstanding !!!

      • crockery from Belfast
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Rating breakdown

41 Member ratings
  • 100
7
  • 90
4
  • 80
18
  • 70
4
  • 60
3
  • 50
2
  • 40
0
  • 30
0
  • 20
1
  • 10
2

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