In order to fully enjoy a film like The Great Debaters, one must believe in the power of aspirational filmmaking. Sure, there are certainly times and places for gritty realism, but other instances/stories are best served by what could simply be defined as "the magic of cinema". The Great Debaters holds a lot of that magic, provided you allow yourself to be swept away by it.
For a very basic overview, this film tells the story of the small Wily College debate team in 1930s Texas (deep in the Jim Crow South). Under the tutelage of Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), the debaters take on all-comers--big or small schools, as well as black or white-and ultimately stare down Harvard in the climactic finale.
"Debaters" is far from a perfect film by any reckoning. Under the direction of Washington, it succumbs to some pretty standard tropes for the genre. Most (if not all) of the white characters are outright villains, and the other character archetypes are pretty standard/cliched: incorruptible idealist (Washington), overprotective strict father (Forest Whitaker), and even mustache-twiddling sheriff (John Heard). Also, the powerful and dramatic words uttered in the debate scenes don't always amount to much substance if examined up close (a little hollow, in other words).
So why have I immensely enjoyed "Debaters" both times I've viewed it? Because the acting is terrific. Apart from the usually-stellar Washington & Whitaker, the young debaters each stand out in nuanced performances. Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, & Jermaine Williams are delights both on the debate stage and simply interacting with each other. The chemistry between all of them is truly remarkable.
The overall production value here is also top-notch. Likely due to Washington's bankable presence, this is the type of film that sort of captures some lightning in a bottle with its combination of drama, visuals, score/soundtrack, and acting. In a way, the finished product is probably better than the sum of the individual parts here.
So, The Great Debaters is a film I can recommend to just about anyone who enjoys being immersed in the movie-watching experience. You may not take much concrete with you at the end of the day, but the messages of positivity and perseverance-combined with the dramatic bend and A-level acting-make it an experience you won't forget nonetheless.
For a very basic overview, this film tells the story of the small Wily College debate team in 1930s Texas (deep in the Jim Crow South). Under the tutelage of Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), the debaters take on all-comers--big or small schools, as well as black or white-and ultimately stare down Harvard in the climactic finale.
"Debaters" is far from a perfect film by any reckoning. Under the direction of Washington, it succumbs to some pretty standard tropes for the genre. Most (if not all) of the white characters are outright villains, and the other character archetypes are pretty standard/cliched: incorruptible idealist (Washington), overprotective strict father (Forest Whitaker), and even mustache-twiddling sheriff (John Heard). Also, the powerful and dramatic words uttered in the debate scenes don't always amount to much substance if examined up close (a little hollow, in other words).
So why have I immensely enjoyed "Debaters" both times I've viewed it? Because the acting is terrific. Apart from the usually-stellar Washington & Whitaker, the young debaters each stand out in nuanced performances. Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, & Jermaine Williams are delights both on the debate stage and simply interacting with each other. The chemistry between all of them is truly remarkable.
The overall production value here is also top-notch. Likely due to Washington's bankable presence, this is the type of film that sort of captures some lightning in a bottle with its combination of drama, visuals, score/soundtrack, and acting. In a way, the finished product is probably better than the sum of the individual parts here.
So, The Great Debaters is a film I can recommend to just about anyone who enjoys being immersed in the movie-watching experience. You may not take much concrete with you at the end of the day, but the messages of positivity and perseverance-combined with the dramatic bend and A-level acting-make it an experience you won't forget nonetheless.