The Great Debaters

Starring: Denzel Washington, Forest Whittaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, John Heard
Directed by: Denzel Washington
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An African-American professor (Denzel Washington) decides to take his all-African-American debate team to new heights. As they beginning beating school after school (including white universities), they finally challenge powerhouse Harvard to a debate. Harvard accepts, setting up one of the great stories in the early Civil Rights Movement.

Review:

Tim: Denzel Washington has a knack for directing movies that at first don't seem overtly appealing to me, but once I start watching, I know I'll enjoy myself (the same thing happened with Antwon Fisher). Here, he takes on a debate team at an all-African-America university in the 1930s. This movie succeeds because it establishes characters we care about, gives them huge challenges to overcome, and also shows the vile racism that still existed in America at that time. There is something so heroic and uplifting about people struggling against hatred to succeed in this world. Washington taps all the right emotional moments.

Washington helps his impressive directorial effort by giving a very good performance as well. While he's content to play a supporting role, his role is still critical to the film's success. It is a pleasure seeing him play something other than a cop or military officer. Forest Whittaker also has a small role, but he likewise gives it his all. He is enjoyable to see, although I wish he had a little more screen time.

The movie is really about the three students on the debate team. These are among the finest performances of the film. Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and Denzel Whitaker are all excellent on screen. John Heard even adds in a good supporting performance as a racist sheriff. Washington truly assembled an impressive cast for this project.

As often happens with these uplifting movies, the film does get a bit predictable. We know our heroes will be met with some initial success, face terrible hardship, and right the sail in time for the big challenge at the finale. While predictable, the movie really sucks the audience in, and this never feels stale or boring. The movie does well to balance the more uplifting moments with more contemplative scenes on race, friendship, and leadership. This keeps the audience thoroughly engaged.

While far from perfect, Denzel Washington directs another enjoyable movie that most audiences should find uplifting and inspiring. I for one love taking time away from the explosion-filled action movies and chilling horrors to embrace a film that makes us regret our terrible past, but take comfort in the progress we have made as humans.





Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Antwon Fisher, John Q., Remember the Titans, The Last King of Scotland