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The Great Debaters (2007)
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Overview
Tagline:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Plot:
A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations moreUser Comments:
Great Sophomore Film by Denzel as a Director moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Denzel Washington | ... | Melvin B. Tolson |
 | Nate Parker | ... | Henry Lowe |
 | Jurnee Smollett | ... | Samantha Booke |
 | Denzel Whitaker | ... | James Farmer Jr. |
 | Jermaine Williams | ... | Hamilton Burgess |
 | Forest Whitaker | ... | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
 | Gina Ravera | ... | Ruth Tolson |
 | John Heard | ... | Sheriff Dozier |
 | Kimberly Elise | ... | Pearl Farmer |
 | Devyn A. Tyler | ... | Helen Farmer (as Devyn Tyler) |
 | Trenton McClain Boyd | ... | Nathaniel Farmer |
 | Ritchie Montgomery | ... | Deputy |
 | Jackson Walker | ... | Pig Owner |
 | Tim Parati | ... | Pig Farmer |
 | Robert X. Golphin | ... | Dunbar Reed |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
126 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreMOVIEmeter: 
29% since last week
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Fun Stuff
Trivia:
This movie was the first since 1979 to be allowed to film on Harvard's campus. moreGoofs:
Continuity: After attending the late-night union meeting, when James Farmer Jr. comes home, he takes off his shoes so he can be quiet. Even though he has run through the woods, water, and mud with Mr. Tolson to escape from the police, his pants legs are clean. moreSoundtrack:
Run... Run / All Hid moreFAQ
What is the name of the marshland town in Texas where the roadhouse was?more
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Two words perfectly sum up this movie - inspirational and uplifting. I have not seen Antwone Fisher, but I will be sure to check it out after seeing this.
Before watching this, I had never even heard about Wiley College or what it did in the '30s, so not only is it great entertainment but it is also educational. I don't know how closely the movie follows the actual events so I can't point out the flaws, but it doesn't matter because the movie is brilliant and moving. This is an underdog movie and you'll be rooting for the Wiley College team throughout the movie. The acting is marvelous by all the actors, but recognition has to be given to the three stars that portray the debaters, Denzel Washington, and Forest Whitaker. Not only is Denzel great as an actor, he is even better as a director. As other reviewers have said, out of all the actors Denzel Whitaker is the star. His portrayal of James Farmer, Jr. is outstanding and this role will certainly further his acting career. Forest Whitaker doesn't have a huge role to play, but he performs his parts beautifully (for example the hog and the sheriff scenes).
Overall this is a very inspirational and uplifting movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets a few Oscar nods.
9/10