The Great Debaters

2007 "When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope."
7.5| 2h6m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 27 December 2007 Released
Producted By: The Weinstein Company
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.

Genre

Drama

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The Great Debaters (2007) is now streaming with subscription on Prime Video

Director

Denzel Washington

Production Companies

The Weinstein Company

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The Great Debaters Audience Reviews

Wordiezett So much average
Bluebell Alcock Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies
Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
sbusch-35048 This is a movie that checks all the boxes for a based on a true underdog story, but it does it with superb acting, good cinematography and pacing, and powerful scenes. From what I've heard, it takes many liberties with the actual story, but the final product is still gratifying. My only gripe is the cliche story moments (especially in the beginning), but after a few scenes, the story picks up, and leads to a surprisingly emotional climax. I definitely recommend, especially for the acting.
KineticSeoul This is formulaic feel good movie that has some good messages. But isn't all that intellectual. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good movie for adults. Kids on the other hand will most definitely get bored real fast with this one though. When it comes to the story, they added in some fiction but is ultimately predictable. Which is understandable since it's based on a True Story. Most movie goers will get how this movie will go from point A to point B to point C really quickly. Jurnee Smollett-Bell was just fantastic as Samantha Booke. There is few violent and little bit of sexual themes, but the violence isn't there for entertainment value or just for it to be there. It actually plays a part when it comes to the core of the story. So will you be emotionally charged after watching this movie? Maybe. Will you have new perspective and new mindset or have something really to ponder upon. Probably not.6.8/10
Thanos Karagioras "The Great Debaters" is a movie that is based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas who coaches the debate team of the college. This debate team it's going to be undefeated for a long time and that will be something that will make the University if Harvard to invite them to debate with them. That was the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges.It is a very good movie that show us the true face of racial racism and how that effects the relationships between the people. In this movie I liked the performances of Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson, Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer, Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr. and Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Samantha Booke."The Great Debaters" is a movie that everyone have to see it and try to understand the situation of time (1935).
thinker1691 It isn't often you can enter a theater to view an interesting film and leave with a sense of emotional awe. Each time we risk a trip back in our time to not only witness what our predecessors did, we also experience the shocking mayhem, violence and tragedies of the day. Indeed we further allow ourselves to become immersed in the ugly ignorant world of human reality. Time was when the events which take place in this movie called " The Great Debators " was the basis for a story, ostensible written by Robert Eisele and ably directed by Denzel Washington. Having a featured role, Mr. Washinton also portrays Melvin B. Tolson a social activist and debate teacher. The film relates the story of how he selects a group of talented black students and instructs them in the art of the verbal debate. Their ability and intellectual growth is mirrored through their lives and social interactions. Each is subject to the hatred and prejudice of time. Further, each witnesses the enormous pressures of a subjugated people and their demeaning subservient role. Despite the enormous danger of mob violence which could exploded on any given day or time, the students are able to rise to the challenge of expressing through words, their feelings, emotions and eventual victory to overcome their racial bonds and shackles. The movie is a remarkable triumph for Washington and the entire cast who allow us to join them in a time which reminds us of our social inhumanity. The best and worse remains and only time will tell whether we have learned anything from our past. Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, and John Heard complete the fine cast. ****