The Great Debaters (2007) Reviews

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Starring:
Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, (more)
Director(s):
Denzel Washington
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Category:
Drama
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John B.

Historically speaking, there is a good deal of fictionalizing that uses composite characters while adding a fictitional female character. Then there's Wiley's big showdown, which in real life was ...
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Historically speaking, there is a good deal of fictionalizing that uses composite characters while adding a fictitional female character. Then there's Wiley's big showdown, which in real life was not with Harvard. This diminishes the film and makes 'The Great Debaters' an unreliable witness to history. Dramatizing the facts rather than sprinkle the truth as was done would have made it a 4 or more star but I deducted 2 stars for whomever's lack of courage to tell Tolson's true story and give the real debaters their due.
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Alison D.

As is his usual practice, Denzel delivers an impressive performance on the acting side. However, he really does a strong job on the directing side, as well. The movie mostly avoids cliches and shows ...
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As is his usual practice, Denzel delivers an impressive performance on the acting side. However, he really does a strong job on the directing side, as well. The movie mostly avoids cliches and shows a human story of struggle against very real racism and danger. The student actors also really deliver, with nuance and force.
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Donna H.

I always watch anything with Denzel Washington, and I was not disappointed this time! A wonderful portrayal of the American culture in that time period, courageous performance by the "villains," ...
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I always watch anything with Denzel Washington, and I was not disappointed this time! A wonderful portrayal of the American culture in that time period, courageous performance by the "villains," inspiring and insightful performance by the students, and a thrilling execution of the role of guide/teacher/rebel by Denzel.
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Ted M.

This is a historic recreation of Americans dealing with race relations. It features a unique teacher at a black college and his debate team. These courage people are winners on many levels. I wish ...
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This is a historic recreation of Americans dealing with race relations. It features a unique teacher at a black college and his debate team. These courage people are winners on many levels. I wish that all schools would show this movie to their students.
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Rod R.

One of the better films in recent years.

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