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The Great Debaters

*****/5

Power. Inspiration. Knowledge. These are only some of the words that could be used to summarize what “The Great Debaters” is all about. Denzel Washington should be applauded for his characterization of Mel Tolson, an educator, poet, and social activist who is put in charge of the small town Wiley College debate team. He chooses 4 standouts out of a pool of 40 or more to represent the team, and it was safe to say that he chose wisely. Although they humiliate most of their competition, Mr. Tolson’s extracurricular activities and the infidelities of certain members of the team threatens to disband the group. Nonetheless colleges everywhere have acknowledged their success and invite them to compete. One of these colleges just so happens to be Harvard. From the very first frame up until the time that the credits are shown, the film does not skip a beat. Details regarding the south and the Jim Crow laws that dehumanized the people of color are always in your face, but not for you to feel pity. The story clearly shows that people of color at that time were very intelligent and well read and not just a population of sharecroppers. So the question is this: How can Jim Crow and knowledge coexist? That is what the great debate is all about. This film is arguably the greatest film 2007 had to offer because it arouses the mind while stirring the spirit. You think about the topics that are debated and you don’t even realize it, because you are enthralled by what you see on the screen. Washington’s direction is immaculate. He takes a cast of well-respected thespians including Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, and elicits performances from them that are jaw dropping. The fact that this is only the second feature he has ever directed proves that he has promising future behind the camera. And that is one topic not up for debate.