The Great Debaters (2007)

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10/18/08

Washington directed as well as starred, and it is clear he has no trouble wearing both hats at once

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09/08/08

This is a wonderfully acted and directed movie, that has something important to say

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08/22/08

I was having mediocre day and I walked out of the movie totally pumped up and ready for the rest of the day, even though it was 10pm at night.

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06/01/08

There's a real organic sense in the film of how young minds can be nurtured and energized way beyond sex, sports and slacker attitude, into caring and evolving kid works-in-progress. And how debating can be pretty cool too, who knew?

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05/02/08

The acting is great and care is taken to develop these characters into people we can root for.

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04/10/08

Enough fictional liberties were taken with The Great Debaters to make it fit neatly on the inspirational genre shelf, but it's grounded in enough reality to excuse Eisle's we-shall-overcome contrivances

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03/17/08

Showcasing the history is done with care and purpose, but I wanted more. I wanted more time between Washington and Forest Whitaker. I wanted more...

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03/04/08

Although we instinctively should be rooting for these characters, Eisele bends the rules of academic debate to make sure the outcome is never in doubt.

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02/15/08

Nate Parker may end up the next Denzel Washington. He has the charm and emotional punch. Put him in more things.

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02/12/08

Sometimes a movie is so literate, so positive and reveals such an intriguing piece of history that it's like a two-hour classroom session.

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02/09/08

Denzel delivers both in front of and behind the camera with The Great Debaters.

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02/03/08

As is typical of such fare, the primary goals are commendable for their well-intentioned earnestness, but zero points for such gluttonous condescension.

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01/31/08

Despite its transparent manipulations, the film is more decent than it deserves to be, particularly when the kids step up to the podium and get passionate

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01/29/08