The Great Debaters
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Movie Reviews of The Great Debaters
Movie Review: A Great, Non-Confrontational Look At The Jim Crow South
Summary: 5 Stars
In my opinion, Denzel Washington is the foremost actor (in terms of actual talent, not money making ability) of our generation. Yet, my one beef with him has often been his very sympathetic, almost revisionist-history take on certain race issues, such as Malcolm X or the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. In those types of films, one race can do no wrong while the other is the root of all evil, which (in reality) is usually never the case. When viewing this film, then, I had myself steeled for that sort of thing once again...the "take with a grain of salt" mentality. Fortunately, this movie had zero problems in that area.
The film tells the story of the small Wily College debate team in 1930s Texas (deep in the Jim Crow South) under the tutelage of the famous Melvin Tolson that took on all-comers (big or small) and defeated nearly every one of them. Yet, despite the amazing feats accomplished by that debate team, the real message of this film centers on the actual issues that are being debated, mainly having to do with civil rights or civil disobedience. This is where the debate format comes in very handy, as it allows for both sides of those important issues to be aired in the film. Does some bias show? Yes. Yet, everyone has their own opinion, and the bias that is evident in the film does not go beyond that.
The acting in this movie is also terrific. Washington is at his cool-as-a-cucumber best, while the young acting talent (forming the debate team) is also very strong. The presence of Forest Whitaker is another plus.
Overall, this is a great film that will really get you thinking about the issues that plagued the Jim Crow South. Most importantly, though, you will be able to see both sides of the story before making your decision. While in the film the judges decide who wins each debate, you can decide for yourself what you believe to be the most convincing argument.
Movie Review: The origins of the civil rights movement
Summary: 5 Stars
The Great Debaters is a wonderfully acted, well produced film about the first college debate between a black team, Wiley College, and a white team. (In the movie, the white team is Harvard, but in fact it was USC.) The plot of the movie revolves around the struggles of the debating team to achieve recognition during an era in which civil rights were a mere glimmer on their progenitors' eyes. (Not surprisingly, several of those progenitors were members of the debating team.) The outcome is predictable, so in that sense, this is a "feel-good" film. But the purpose of the film wasn't just to make us root for the underdog. The Great Debaters was clearly intended as a vehicle to portray the origins of the civil rights movement.
The movie makes some departures from historical events, but these were not of a nature to detract from the story. Where the final debate took place is not particularly important. What is important is that the film accurately depicted the hurdles faced by the black community in the 1930s. This was an era in which "justice" was often administered at the end of a rope, and in which being black was a crime in and of itself. The horrifying scene in which James Farmer, Jr. (who eventually became one of the "Big Four" of the civil rights movement), witnesses a lynching encapsulated the purpose of this film, which was to explain the need for civil rights. The debates, themselves, while probably departing significantly from the originals, served to present the arguments used by later civil rights advocates, notably Martin Luther King, Jr.
Unlike many films based on "true stories" the Great Debaters tackled the larger social issues of the times. Because these issues--the rights of minorities, the rule of law, constitutional authority--are still pertinent, still subject to heated discussion, and still worthy of our undivided attention, the great debate continues.
Movie Review: Awesome, Inspiring & Hopeful for today.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Great Debaters is now on my list of great Movies! It ranks with Casablanca, To Kill A Mockingbird and White Christmas. When Professor Melvin Tolson chooses his first Wiley College Debating team it includes Samantha, Henry, James Farmer, Jr and Hamilton who wishes to be the Teacher's pet!
Since there are many excellent reviews, I will not repeat the awesome listing of great actresses & actors like Denzel Washington & Forest Whitaker & Denzel Whitaker! For my top choices of the debaters, I choose Samantha & James Farmer Jr. The young man who plays the part of Henry is a tremendous actor who makes powerful speeches for his arguments & resolutions. I am turned off by his weakness for drinking & fast moves with women!
There is a powerful contrast between white sharecroppers, who seem to be in authority with the local Sheriff and the Debaters who play the part of defenders as origins of the Civil Rights movement in the 1930's! Those first debates with other African American Colleges are soon overcome with the debates with white Oklahoma City U. and finally the climaxing debate with the Harvard's top notch debating team!
There is included as special events, some older students of Wiley College who were the original members of the first debating team! These older men & women provide quite the vivid contrast for the original debaters! Especially, the man who is portrayed by Henry, whose last name was Heights is said to be "arrogantly intellectual!"
Some of the most potent scenes are speeches from the debaters against the white college students! There is tremendous writing of those speeches quoting Gandhi, Thoreau & Du Bois! All-in-all this is one outstanding portrayal of the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement later by Matin Luther King, Jr!
Gratefully from Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood.
Movie Review: Awesome Show of Spirit
Summary: 5 Stars
Denzel Washington has woven the subculture of social fabric, that of the Black South, into a much greater universal spirit -- into the Spirit of enternal principles of Truth, Justice in this film. He creates on the screen the character that Americans all love -- the James Dean, the John Wayne, the lone fighter who struggles against all odds around him to become singularly victorious and to ultimately change the very social fabric that was holding him back. The victorious underdog is a classic icon of American film and has inspired a dogged determination that lead people to real-life success. Denzel Washington takes an element of history, which is ostensibly a subculture -- that of the Black South, and illustrates that at its heart is it really captured the spirit of the American Culture -- the spirit of determination, dedication, honor, justice and, ultimately, victory. This movie inspired me deeply -- it rekindled my love for freedom, democracy and Denzel. He's an extraordinary film director and actor.
I had never heard of Melvin B. Tolson, Samantha Booke, Henry Lowe and James Farmer before this film and I am indebted to Director Denzel for bringing them into my life. This film is history, American spirit and awe-inspiring drama.
Movie Review: Engrossing drama
Summary: 5 Stars
It is 1935, and at a small Negro college in Texas, Professor Tolson (Denzel Washington) is coaching the debate team. Its members include a sweet, pretty girl, a ladies' man, and a 14-year old whiz-kid. The students blossom under Tolson's leadership, but his extra-curricular activities may be a problem; at night he is secretly unionizing the share croppers, and the sheriff doesn't like it one bit.
I never expected a movie about a debate team to be intense, scary, or exhilarating, but "The Great Debaters" is all that and more. There are two stories here - one is the debate team and the other is life under segregation; both stories are compelling. The acting is uniformly outstanding; Forrest Whitaker and Washington support some lesser-known, but extremely talented young stars. We get to know their characters and care about them as they overcome their various obstacles to become the top Negro college debate team in the country.
The injustices of segregation are vividly and heartbreakingly portrayed; it was quite a sobering look at the legalized cruelty of that time and place. The fact that this is a true story makes it all the more inspiring. Heartily recommended.