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The Great Debaters (2007)

Drama | 126 minutes
3,56 587 votes

Genre: Drama

Duration: 126 minuten

Country: United States

Directed by: Denzel Washington

Stars: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and Nate Parker

IMDb score: 7,5 (64.938)

Releasedate: 27 December 2007

The Great Debaters plot

"When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope."

The true story of Professor Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington), who in 1935 for the first time managed to find a group of students willing to argue with each other. The group formed in this way eventually decides to participate in the championships against Harvard.

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Full Cast & Crew

Actors and actresses

Melvin B. Tolson

Henry Lowe

Dr. James Farmer Sr.

James Farmer Jr.

Samantha Booke

Pearl Farmer

Hamilton Burgess

Ruth Tolson

Sheriff Dozier

Helen Farmer

Reviews & comments


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avatar van Quentin

Quentin

  • 10202 messages
  • 8447 votes

Typical melodramatic Oprah crap, very well made but terribly moralizing. In that respect it resembles Schindler's List, similar use of false sentiment and effect. Never exceeds the average True Wednesday Night Movie. 2*

dutch flagTranslated from Dutch · View original

avatar van John Lee Hooker

John Lee Hooker

  • 14934 messages
  • 1625 votes

Powerful drama with atmospheric images and a flawless cast. It could have been a lot more tacky and sentimental, but luckily Denzel stays close to the subject and we don't fall away to superfluous side branches. In principle, predictability is always lurking, but it is nice to follow the debating young people on their way to victory. The fact that white schools also have to be fought provides extra willpower in the team and activates you as a viewer to think along in their interests during these illegitimate decades.

dutch flagTranslated from Dutch · View original

avatar van Fisico

Fisico (moderator films)

  • 10009 messages
  • 5398 votes

Very surprised about the true story of this film during the interwar period in Texas. Never thought that such free speech was tolerated by blacks. Interesting development of some individuals who learn to stand up for themselves, learn to debate through reason and argument and especially try to bring about change with words instead of violence.

Fascinating figure, too, Tolson, who also urges black and white farmers to resist the almighty landowners who exploit them. Handsome charismatic role by Denzel Washington. But also the other protagonists. It is partly the strength of the film, as are the strong sentences during the debates.

It all seems a bit too easy at times. A little too much "feel good", but the results are what they are. At times maybe a bit too long-winded, but the characters make up for it for the most part.

dutch flagTranslated from Dutch · View original