Fresh
As for Mr. Parker and Ms. Smollett, there's no debating what awaits them -- stardom, very soon.
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
The Great Debaters
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.
2007 · 2h 6m · PG-13
Drama
Directed by
Denzel Washington
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The Great Debaters
Overview
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
Director and cast
- Denzel Washington Director
- Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr.
- Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson
- Nate Parker as Henry Lowe
- Jurnee Smollett as Samantha Booke
- Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer Sr.
- Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer
- Jermaine Williams as Hamilton Burgess
- Gina Ravera as Ruth Tolson
- John Heard as Sheriff Dozier
- Devyn A. Tyler as Helen Farmer
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Fresh
The Great Debaters succeeds in bringing a lump to the throat without, as is de rigueur these days, insulting our intelligence.
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Fresh
The Great Debaters is well-acted, deeply felt and delivers a positive message about the importance of education.
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh
The film may be manipulative in its construction, and cliche-ridden in some of the incidents it recounts, but it has a good, large heart.
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
Fresh
...The Great Debaters soars with words and feeling.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
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