The Great Debaters
2007
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 |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Great Debaters
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.
| Starring | Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Forest Whitaker, Gina Ravera, John Heard, Kimberly Elise |
|---|---|
| Director | Denzel Washington |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 3 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: unknown Production year: 2007 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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The rules of formal debate are clear. Avoid emotional appeals. Empty rhetoric will cost you. Stick to the facts.... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
[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 !!! -
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