The Great Debaters
2007 · Movie · PG-13 · 126 min · ★ 7.3 · 73% critics
Based on a true story, a politically driven debate coach shapes a team of underdog students into a formidable force by using the power of words. Set in 1930s Texas, their rising success and growing pressure collide with the harsh realities of the time.
Also known as Les grands débatteurs
Where to watch
Streaming on Wonder Project.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2007
- Release date
- 2007-12-25
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Critic score
- 73/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (710 votes)
About
You’ll like this if you want an inspiring, issue-driven underdog debate story with intense emotion and memorable speeches; Not for you if you prefer lighter entertainment or more purely debate-focused pacing like Freedom Writers or Selma.
Pros: inspiring true-story drama; powerful performances; thought-provoking debates | Cons: romance distractions; some jarring moments; debate stakes feel stretched
Themes
- biography
- racial segregation
- based on true story
- racism
- inspiring story
- white supremacy
- anti-racism
- inspirational
- motivational
- fight against racism
Awards & recognition
- Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award · 2008
Cast & crew
Denzel Whitaker
as James Farmer Jr.
Denzel Washington
as Melvin B. Tolson
Nate Parker
as Henry Lowe
Jurnee Smollett
as Samantha Booke
Forest Whitaker
as Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Kimberly Elise
as Pearl Farmer
Jermaine Williams
as Hamilton Burgess
Gina Ravera
as Ruth Tolson
John Heard
as Sheriff Dozier
Devyn A. Tyler
as Helen Farmer
Directed by Denzel Washington