The Great Debaters
Thursday, January 10, 2008


This movie was produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by Denzel Washington.

It's about the true "real" life victories of Wiley College black debating team in Texas during 1935. This was during the height of the Great Depression. The team, led by Mel Tolson (Denzel Washington) goes about beating most of their black college adversaries.

The film's final debate showdown is between Wiley and Harvard.

I enjoyed the film. It was funny, entertaining, and avoided being maudlin.

I think for the audience the film was intended for, they would find it educational. The history of American black colleges isn't new to me. It is interesting that they showed the Wiley students being treated with respect by Harvard. I think it was a rather gentle view of the University.

The 1930's was the height of power for white supremist groups. During this period, the Klu Klux Klan was on Harvard's campus, revered like any other Greek fraternity. The Klan was started by politicians, lawyers, and the social elite of the south. It was respected in the north as well.

How do I know that? Check their year books.

Nevertheless, the film is an excellent alternative view of black people. It shows the pride, self-confidence and esteem black Americans had in themselves during these times. In the face of local terrorists they still forged ahead.

Forest Whittaker is also in this film as Wiley College's President. His wife is portrayed by Kimberly Elise, who's role, while rather small and demure is still integral to the movie. It's nice to see black women who can be portrayed as reasonable normal people.

The only complaint I have is with Denzel's camera direction: there were a number of scenes where features were fuzzy for a halo, ghostly effect. Not good.

Labels: Denzel Washington, Forest Whittaker, Harvard University, Kimberly Elise, klu klux klan, Oprah Winfrey, Wiley College

posted by GoldenAh

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