The Great Debaters [Blu-ray]

I am a huge fan of Denzel Washington. Several years ago, I imdb'd him to see if I had missed any of his films, and this one popped up. I had never heard of it. I tried for a couple of years to catch it on cable, to no avail. And I couldn't find it on Netflix (streamed), Hulu, or HBO-Go. Nor was it on Amazon Prime's free streamed movies (a pretty sucky selection...let me take this opportunity to say that it's a good thing that I'm a frequent enough Amazon user that their Prime pays for itself just in the saved shipping costs, because their selection of free streamed movies and free Kindle books is an insult to anyone with a brain....I count myself a member of that group, of course).Anyway, I finally gave up and paid the $2.99 to watch it streamed on Amazon, and it was money well spent. It tells the story of the debate team at Wiley College, an all-black college in Texas in 1935, and their effort to debate nationally against teams from white schools. Denzel also directed it, and I found it to be excellent. Not only was the debate arc intellectually stimulating, but the civil rights arc was quite suspenseful (and also shameful to a person of my Caucasian persuasion). One of the members of the Wiley College debate team of 1935 was 14 year old James Farmer, Jr., son of the president of the college and future initiator and organizer of the 1961 Freedom Ride.Five stars might seem like a high rating for such an obscure film, but it meets my criteria in every area, and I am unable to find any weak points or field any solid criticism against it. Plus, I was on the edge of my seat more than once, and also used up a tissue or two. That's five-star territory in my book !!!

The Great Debaters (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)  Denzel Washington as poet Melvin B Tolson, Forest Whitaker as James Farmer Sr first Nego with a PhD in Texas. James Farmer Jr was 14yo when he joined the debate team, inspired by his father's passion for justice. 7 years later the younger James Farmer age 24 founded CORE the Congress of Racial Equality.Second disc interviews the original participants of the Wiley College debate team and their memories of the rigorous debate Boot Camp imposed by coach Melvin B Tolson.Bonus Disc compiled over 60 CDs worth of African American folk music, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Marian Anderson opera, singers, banjo pickers which surround the living experience of the young college students, their era, and their challenges.Additional 28 page booklet with film stills and commentary complements the two DVD discs.Costume ideas were gathered via scouring vintage stores across the US for 1920s-1930s clothing.Brooks Brothers has been tailoring suits for men since 1800s and agreed to recreate appropriate 1936 suiting for Forest Whitaker and Denzel Washington.Harvard agreed to permit filming in Memorial Hall, first movie filming in the theater for 40 years to recapture the atmosphere of the live broadcast in 1936 of the debate between Wiley Negro college Texas with total enrollment of fewer than 400 students vs Harvard University.Debate Boot Camp featurette follows student actors learning debate format, time restrictions, technique, style during rehearsal prior to filming. Fascinating study of oral debate tradition formal structure, timed presentation, impromptu debates, debate coach critiques of posture diction etiquette.Interviews with the young actors who credit mentoring by veteran Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker for burnishing their professional skill sets.The young actors read books by authors mentioned in the script (eg Zora Neale Hurston WEB DuBois), read American history of the Jim Crow era, engaged in Debate Boot Camp which shaped genuine team bonding and familiarity with debate constraints evident on film.Two disc version was enormously satisfying with in depth featurettes, interviews and history, plus 28 page booklet of stills, quotes, interviews.5* for students interested in debate as a speech style, how to conduct preparation, cognitive flexibility to assume either pro or con stance in contention depending on Resolution assignment, diction, grammar, posture and proficiency in researching and speaking extemporaneously as the Wiley College and Harvard teams had to confront a change in the stated resolution 48 hours before the live radio debate.

Thank you for reading in advanceYour time is appreciated*This review contains spoilers*The Great Debaters is a 2007 American biographical drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington. It is based on an article written about the Wiley College debate team by Tony Scherman for the spring 1997 issue of American Legacy.The film co-stars Forest Whitaker, Denzel Whitaker (no relation), Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker, Gina Ravera, Jermaine Williams and Jurnee Smollett.Given the context of this film, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s script is filled with dialogue that is immensely powerful. The words are delivered in a way that demands respect and attention; more than that they are said in a way that the audience is able to understand the gravity of what is being said, when it is said, and how it is said. Even the brief moments of silence are loud enough to encourage some amount of reflection from the audience that can only be described as profound.Secondary to this, it is only appropriate that the realities of the struggles these characters face are woven into the story in a seamless fashion; There is never a moment where racial tension is not being referred to in some way, even if it is looming around in the background like an unwelcome trespasser. Furthermore, the direct and secondary effects of this tension are shown in a way that Is explicit and doesn't undermine the seriousness of it. I would also like to add that this film is an accurate depiction of the events that inspired them, although minuscule details have been changed ( like the names of the colleges faced as opponents); This isn't a surprise to me given Denzel's reputation in the film industry, and he deserves huge props for this film’s success.***SPOILERS START HERE***I noticed one parallel that was so intelligently included that I can't help but comment on it. There is one scene where a group of caucasian gentlemen commenting on the prospects of assisting with the investigation and arrest of Coach Tolson with no recognition for their contributions to this; One man states “So this is how it is? We do all the work and they get all the credit.” As a direct contrast to this, ‘Tolson’ Has no issue doing most -if not all of the work for his own debate team if need be - and yet the opportunity to be represented by another group of people entirely makes him proud and he considers himself fortunate for this. Call it what you will but this is a brilliant example of exploring privilege and what it means to be a part of the population known as the “haves” and those known simply as the “Have nots”***SPOILERS END HERE***An absolute must-watch that will exceed your expectations: I would recommend!

Fantastic film.A moving story to make us all think and one that should be shown in all schools.I love this film it’s beautifull made, sympathetically acted with real drama and conviction and holds a message that stands as true today as it ever did.Very highly recommended.

Much has been filmed and more has been written about the civil rights movement, yet this film manages to bring the issues to new life.The historical backdrop is detailed without being preachy and is packed with information that really is not widely knownSolid, workmanlike performances from a top notch cast depict characters that the viewer really does come to care about. Rich cinematography and extremely satisfying bonus features bring real historical weight to the film. And the slick screenplay provides some very, very memorable moments: "the time for justice, the time for equality, is always, always right now!"The wonder is that this film slipped through the awards season entirely unnoticed.In short this is a must have for anyone interested in the origins of the civil rights movement or for anyone who simply wishes to lose themselves in a vividly evoked past peopled by remarkable individuals who have courage, eloquence and a lot of style.

I fail to see how this film didn't appear to trouble any of the significant award ceremonies around the globe at the time of it's release. An absolutely A class piece of story telling of real events and lives that were and are inspiring, disturbing and hopeful. There was not a single weak performance by any member of the cast regardless of how short their part or input.No gratuitous violence but rather deep, searingly cutting scenes and dialogue layered with enough knowledge of the characters lives, interwoven in a time of widespread inequality for the viewer to remain transfixed with each unfolding scene.As a lay person, I can't wax lyrical enough about Denzel Washingtons' abilities in any format he chooses to engage. I'm sure hecould make a good case to run for President. In my personal top 10 films.

Oprah Winfrey produced a great film here. If you are looking for a film to watch with your children, then this is the one. Although it is rated 15 I would say any child from the age of 13 can watch this film as it will most definitely give them food for thought. My 15yr son and I watched this and he enjoyed.This film contains so many moral messages of life such as when all odds are against you never to give up, but go back to the drawing board and come back bigger and stronger. Denzel played his role as a professor very well pushing the boundaries in Texas with his radical ideas.Without spoiling the storyline for you, this film is rather inspiring as you watch a group of young adults come together to acheive something that many others thought they were incapable of.I give this film two thumbs up a well thought out storyline with an excellent cast to execute it. You will not be disappointed :)

Great Debaters (Ws) [DVD] [2007] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC ] This is an excellent movie in every word!!! Every young African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean and man of black origin should watch this movie. I was blown away with story, the cinematography, the spoken word and vocal prowess of the characters in the film. Well done Denzel Washington for an extraordinary effort on this movie. Watching this movie will move to do something and you will not be disappointed for the time given to see this highly understated movie of 2007. Great Debaters (Ws) [DVD] [2007] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC