(Trailer can be downloaded for QT and WMV)

The bottom line first: My hope is that this important and outstanding film will motivate you to continue, in some way unique to you, that same march for human rights and equality!

THE STORY

THE GREAT DEBATERS is inspired by the remarkable story of Wiley College’s winning debate team of the early 1930s. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, THE GREAT DEBATERS chronicles the journey of the Wiley College debate team—coached by the brilliant and passionate professor Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington). It was Tolson’s recognition that the power of knowledge is the greatest advantage of all, which brought these students from underdogs to victors in a time when more than the odds were against them.

Professor Tolson carefully chooses his team not only because they’re the best Wiley College has to offer but because they carry within them the spark of a new generation. He sets out to instill in them confidence and a sense of responsibility for more than just their own lives. At the same time he knows he must protect them from his own covert activities as an organizer of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union.

Tolson’s most eager student is 14 year-old prodigy James Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker) who endures the pressure of the team in addition to the towering presence of his father James Sr., PhD (Forest Whitaker), a renowned scholar and towering presence. It is James Jr. who grows up quickly by witnessing the horrific acts of prejudice, feeling the pangs of love and becoming the teacher as his father learns that action and assertion must be practiced in order for knowledge to become power.

In Henry Lowe (Nate Parker), Tolson sees a wild intelligence constantly conflicted between expectations and an exploding temper fueled by his search for justice. His fierce independence often clashes with his professor and teammates. Being part of the debate team may be his first experience with true accountability and the responsibility that follows.

Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollett) has the honor of being Wiley College’s first female on the debate team. She has to deal with not only the prejudice because of her skin but also as a woman forging ahead in a society that has yet to embrace equal rights for the sexes. She’s up for the challenge as her confidence grows with each and every debate.

What is seemingly a disconnected group of students is revealed as the calculated, brilliant and far reaching vision of Professor Tolson. As the team experiences unprecedented success and consecutive victories they work even more diligently to reach the ultimate goal — a groundbreaking debate with the National Champions at Harvard.

This fictional story was inspired by the passion, dedication and teachings of Melvin B. Tolson.

THE REVIEW


Continuing the work of those who went before them, these actors now inspire a new generation. Jermaine Williams (Hamilton Burgess), Denzel Whitaker (James Farmer Jr), Jurnee Smollett (Samantha) and Nate Parker (Henry Lowe). Photo by: David Lee.

In reviewing this important film, ‘Truth’ is the first thing that comes to mind. After a discussion with the cast and crew following a screening of the film, I can say without hesitation that the truth the drives the story is the same truth drives the performers and the authenticity of this film. Although the film is a fictionalized account of an actual event, it is driven by that a world changing truth.

And that truth is: “all men are created equal” or as scripture puts it “God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”  That truth is progressively realized by “standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before. “  Honoring that powerful divine truth of equality and justice for all, means you must progressively continue the march until it is fully realized in the lives of every "child of God". All the black actors in the film are there because of the many civil right leaders that came before them. As Martin Luther King Jr. continued the march to freedom begun by those before him, so this film continues that same march for human rights and equality to a new generation after him.

It is this acknowledgment among all those involved in this film that makes it the important film that it is. I do not know how to underscore the essential necessity of great films like this one. All I can say is go experience it, it’s important. My hope is that it will motivate you to continue, in some way unique to you, that same march for human rights and equality!