Produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by Denzel Washington, this is a biographical drama taking you back to the period of 1930s when racism and inequalities were widely prevalent in the west, between the whites and the blacks. Based on a true story, it revolves around the key character of a debate coach/teacher Melvin B. Tolson played by Denzel Washington and his prepared team of four young (black) students, competing with the champions of many reputed universities and winning them all.
Though heading towards a predictable climax, the film is actually worth watching more for its superb execution, highly believable performances and more importantly the theme of racial discrimination which still exists in the world today in a subtle, undisclosed form without any doubt. The fact was recently proved by the news of many regrettable events in different parts of the globe and the film once again asks that most significant question that haven’t we learned any lesson from our last 100 years of existence at all?
Moving at a great pace with few shocking sequences depiction insulting exploitation, fake arrests, riots and even lynching, THE GREAT DEBATERS remains a real film throughout and keeps you engaged with its powerful subject, fine cinematography, intelligent costume designing and exciting background score. The team of four (including a girl) perform in a highly inspiring manner and the viewer does feel uplifted by their brave spirits in the end as they finally win the most desired contest with the whites.
The 20 conclusive minutes of the film are extremely well written with the surprising Indian references of Mahatma Gandhi, his Satyagrah and Jallianwala Bagh massacre too in support of the argument put against racism, strongly proving the famous saying of St. Augustine that “An unjust law is no law at all."
A truly inspirational movie made on real life events (with certain deliberate changes made), THE GREAT DEBATERS is an inspiring experience giving a precious message to this present generation, that we essentially need to learn from the mistakes made in the past urgently in order to have a better and secured future ahead for our kids too. So do go for it, especially for the flawless performances delivered by the entire cast and its socially relevant theme depicted skillfully.
Directed By Denzel Washington
Starring : Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker and more.
Tags :
The Great Debaters (2007), Movies To See Before You Die Biographical, Must See Movies List By Bobby Sing, Worth Watching Cinematic Gems List, Films made on Racial Discrimination, Denzel Washington directed movies, Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Gandhi's reference in English films.
