The Great Debaters

 The Great Debaters 2007

• Director: Denzel Washington
• Seen by this director: Fences, Antwone Fisher
• Based on the novel: no, but on a true story
• Cast: Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollet, Denzel Whitaker (not Forrest’s son but named after Denzel W), Forrest Whitaker, John Heard
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Denzel Washington – Fences, The Book of Eli, Philadelphia, Antwone Fisher, The Siege, Devil in a Blue Dress, The Pelican File, Much Ado about Nothing, Malcolm X, Mississippi Masala, Mo’ Better Blues
• Denzel Whitaker – Black Panther
• Forrest Whitaker – Black Panther, Arrival, The Butler, The Last King of Scotland, Repo Men, Smoke, The Crying Game, Bird, Platoon, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
• Why? Denzel Washington
• Seen: Once before. Now 30 October 2020      

       Texas, 1935. Mr Tolson (Washington) is a professor in an all-black college, teaching his students about the Harlem Renaissance and getting together a debate team. He is also a secret union organiser of both black and white workers.

       There is both violence and racism in the film, of course, but also fighting spirit, determination, youthful dreams and romance.

       It has a bit of Hollywood gloss but it’s also a hard-hitting portrayal of racism and the fight against it. Flawed it may be but how can you not love this film?

 4 ½ * of 5.