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The Great Debaters (2007)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
25 December 2007 (USA) moreTagline:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Plot:
A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(8 articles)
Cronenberg to direct ‘Matarese Circle’ (From screeninglog. 8 October 2008, 1:55 PM, PDT)
Denzel Washington to star in ‘Book of Eli’ (From screeninglog. 5 September 2008, 11:42 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
You should see this film moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Denzel Washington | ... | Melvin B. Tolson |
 | Nate Parker | ... | Henry Lowe |
 | Jurnee Smollett | ... | Samantha Booke |
 | Denzel Whitaker | ... | James Farmer Jr. |
 | Jermaine Williams | ... | Hamilton Burgess |
 | Forest Whitaker | ... | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
 | Gina Ravera | ... | Ruth Tolson |
 | John Heard | ... | Sheriff Dozier |
 | Kimberly Elise | ... | Pearl Farmer |
 | Devyn A. Tyler | ... | Helen Farmer (as Devyn Tyler) |
 | Trenton McClain Boyd | ... | Nathaniel Farmer |
 | Ritchie Montgomery | ... | Deputy |
 | Jackson Walker | ... | Pig Owner |
 | Tim Parati | ... | Pig Farmer |
 | Robert X. Golphin | ... | Dunbar Reed |
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Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
126 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreMOVIEmeter: 
4% since last week
why?
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
This movie was the first since 1979 to be allowed to film on Harvard's campus. moreGoofs:
Continuity: After attending the late-night union meeting, when James Farmer Jr. comes home, he takes off his shoes so he can be quiet. Even though he has run through the woods, water, and mud with Mr. Tolson to escape from the police, his pants legs are clean. moreQuotes:
Harland Osbourne: This debate is stirring up a lot of excitement. It's going to be broadcast all over America. moreSoundtrack:
Scoodle Um Skoo moreFAQ
What is the name of the marshland town in Texas where the roadhouse was?more
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I say this because: 1) The acting is remarkable. Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise are all stunningly good 2) The cinematography is very well done and the score is beautifully and uplifting. 3) The story is great. It has multiple underdog themes which when watching, you root so much for the underdog it actually hurts :). These would be: a) the black people in the south in the 1930s b) little Wiley collage (especially when they are vs Harvard) c) the 14 year old boy James P. Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker) who is seemingly incapable at first of debating. Do yourself a favor and see "The Great Debaters". You are going to love it.