← Back to results
The Great Debaters
2007 126 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★7.4
Drama
Director: Denzel Washington
Trailers
Description
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.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$30.24M
Worldwide:
$30.23M
Starring
Denzel Washington
Actor
Forest Whitaker
Actor
Kimberly Elise
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2008
— Best Picture (Drama)
Key opinion
The Great Debaters is generally viewed as a competent, heartfelt social drama that successfully highlights the struggles of racial inequality in the 1930s. While performances by the ensemble and the film's moral core are widely appreciated, critics are divided over the depth of the screenplay and the authenticity of its central intellectual debates.
| Production | The production design effectively captures the authentic atmosphere and aesthetic of the 1930s. | |
| Theme | The film’s focus on the themes of racial injustice and the common humanity of its subjects resonates strongly with the audience. | |
| Direction | Denzel Washington’s direction is praised for its moral weight and clear narrative, though some find the storytelling lacks sufficient historical context. | |
| Acting | While some viewers find the performances emotionally stirring and natural, others feel they lack the necessary intensity or intellectual depth to carry the story. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay receives criticism for prioritizing emotional anecdotes over intellectual rigor, leading to debate sequences that feel weak or anachronistic. | |
| Pacing | The pacing divides viewers; some find the film engaging and contemplative, while others characterize it as slow, dull, and lacking narrative momentum. |