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The Great Debaters (2007) 7.5
Ratings:
7.5/10 from 31,340 users
Metascore: 65/100
Reviews: 108 user | 112 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com 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. Director:Denzel Washington |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Denzel Washington | ... | ||
| Nate Parker | ... |
Henry Lowe
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| Jurnee Smollett-Bell | ... |
Samantha Booke
(as Jurnee Smollett)
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| Denzel Whitaker | ... |
James Farmer Jr.
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| Jermaine Williams | ... |
Hamilton Burgess
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| Forest Whitaker | ... |
Dr. James Farmer Sr.
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| Gina Ravera | ... |
Ruth Tolson
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| John Heard | ... |
Sheriff Dozier
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| Kimberly Elise | ... |
Pearl Farmer
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| Devyn A. Tyler | ... |
Helen Farmer
(as Devyn Tyler)
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| Trenton McClain Boyd | ... |
Nathaniel Farmer
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| Ritchie Montgomery | ... |
Deputy
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| Jackson Walker | ... |
Pig Owner
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| Tim Parati | ... |
Pig Farmer
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| Robert X. Golphin | ... |
Dunbar Reed
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Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Taglines:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
25 December 2007 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Debate Pela Liberdade See more »Box Office
Budget:
$15,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$3,604,000 (USA) (21 December 2007)Gross:
$30,226,144 (USA) (11 April 2008)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Performed by Marian Anderson
Public Domain
Courtesy of BMG Classics
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
On December 19, 2007, Denzel Washington announced a $1 million dollar donation to Wiley College so they could re-establish their debate team. See more »Goofs
Prairie View, Texas is nowhere near Waxahachie, Texas. See more »Quotes
Harland Osbourne: This debate is stirring up a lot of excitement. It's going to be broadcast all over America.See more »
Soundtracks
"Begrüssung"Performed by Marian Anderson
Public Domain
Courtesy of BMG Classics
See more »
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