The Great Debaters (2007)

Inspiring, but a debatable messing with history

"The Great Debaters" is the story of an unlikely team of black debaters in 1930s Texas. Coming from little-known Wiley College, they go on to compete with the best debating clubs in the land. The film gives a heart-stopping portrayal of the violence and intimidation faced by American Americans during the period. A lynching scene is especially harrowing. It was an era when lynching was commonplace and a pig-farming white man could get away with intimidating a black PhD. Great performances from Denzel Washington and Forrest Whittaker as the debate coach and college chaplain. Wonderful supporting roles from the rest of the cast. The writing is first rate, making it seem cool and exciting to pull quotes from Thoreau, Hughes and Gandhi out of your head. There were a number of interesting subplots that wove their way through the narrative. Denzel's character organized laborers on the side; a lakeside shack serves as blues/gospel hangout. A requisite love story between two of the debaters took the steam off the film's intellectual bent.

(Spoilers)

Some concerns. Trying to communicate to a 21st century audience the razor's edge walked by 1930s blacks was mishandled. Given the dangerous times they lived in, the black debaters were almost militant in their arguments. Even a northern university audience might have been alarmed at the veiled threats being made. Then too, the movie erred in following the standard "Remember The Titans" cinematic model in which Denzel leads an unlikely team to beat the best in the league. Sticking closer to history, in which Wiley was less than invariably victorious in the literal sense depicted here would have been more accurate. Perhaps the movie makers didn't think we could handle the truth that progress for blacks in the 1930s was gained a tiny step at a time. And that audiences can appreciate the import of symbolic victory.

Still, I found "The Great Debaters" to be riveting and watchable. The DVD extras, in which Denzel interviews elderly Wiley College grads gave a more accurate insight into the era than the movie. A great weekend family (teen and up) film and great to show your high school debate club. November 17, 2008

The Great Debaters

Highly, recommended as a movie to be watched by students in the various
school systems. For encouragement, dedication and building of character .
Excellent production. November 16, 2008

The Great Debaters

Not what you think it would be. Great moving movie. Only thing I didn't like was Denzel's hair. November 12, 2008

The Great Debaters

Excellent movie, it is nice to get such a great story from our history. The cast did a great job, and they were able to talk with some of the original people to get the feel of the era.

We need more movies about little known stories in the growing of our nation. This should be shown at all high schools. November 9, 2008

Thought Provoking

Came away from viewing this DVD with alot of concepts to think about. Yes, very thought provoking. October 25, 2008

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