As is typical of such fare, the primary goals are commendable for their well-intentioned earnestness, but zero points for such gluttonous condescension.
2 Comments
01/31/08
The Great Debaters (2007)
79
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:126
Fresh:99
Rotten:27
Average Rating:7/10
Consensus: A wonderful cast and top-notch script elevate The Great Debaters beyond a familiar formula for a touching, uplifting drama.
Runtime: 2 hrs 3 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Denzel Washington directs and stars in this uplifting drama based on a true story about a small East Texas all-black college in 1935 that rises to the top of the nation's debate teams in a duel... [More]
Starring: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett
Director: Denzel Washington
Reviews for The Great Debaters
Despite its transparent manipulations, the film is more decent than it deserves to be, particularly when the kids step up to the podium and get passionate
01/29/08
With the help of a great screenplay and tremendous acting, this film ... soars above the typical minority/underdog formula to inspire more than it manipulates.
01/26/08
The Great Debaters handles conventions well, making an important piece of history affecting and resonant.
01/21/08
It's the sort of tradeoff Oprah makes daily, finding ways to represent those histories and experiences that are otherwise unrepresented%u2014ways that will appeal to a broad base and so, somehow, make differences.
01/17/08
. . . an engaging look at a time and place when black men and women had to fight for dignity and respect against overwhelming forces
01/10/08
The Great Debaters is an amazing story, but it's the sensational direction and terrific cast that make the theme resonant.
01/07/08
For all of its hermetic dramatic license, "The Great Debators" hits its emotional marks with help from Forest Whitaker and a talented ensemble cast that includes Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and newcomer Denzel Whitaker.
01/05/08
Not only is this a feel good story, but it's moving and inspirational for all.
01/05/08
Instead of exploiting this cruel reality, Washington's camera records both scenes of joy and scenes of tragedy with equal composure, never milking for effect.
01/04/08
It's terrifically acted, pretty much a given with this cast.
01/04/08
The plot holes and formulaic feel are overcome by the superb acting. As is true in the world of debate, carefully chosen and delivered words win the day.
01/04/08
As for Mr. Parker and Ms. Smollett, there's no debating what awaits them -- stardom, very soon.
01/03/08
The Great Debaters succeeds in bringing a lump to the throat without, as is de rigueur these days, insulting our intelligence.
01/03/08
It's about finding the courage to raise your voice in the face of great hatred, opposition and fear. That it comes by coincidence in the wake of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto gives it an immediacy and a power it otherwise might have lacked.
01/01/08
The packed house I saw the film with applauded at the end. You will, too.
12/31/07
a bit too obvious to be considered a true classic in the genre.
12/30/07
Inspiring if overly familiar story that owes its allegiance not so much to history (it alters many facts) as to Dead Poets Society, Hoosiers and countless other "carpe diem" flicks.
12/29/07
As director, Washington keeps the schmaltz to a minimum, making this inspirational tale tolerable.
12/29/07
Seeing Tolson expose his young students to the poets of the Harlem Renaissance and instilling in them a sense of pride and rebellion is inspiring... Tolson is a fascinating character who could command an entire movie himself.
12/28/07
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