"The Great Debaters"- Did You See It? What Did You Think?
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 12:10AM The Blogmother I am going to try to give this review of the Movie, "The Great Debaters" without giving away any major plot points in the event you have not seen it already. So this review is all about style and nothing about substance.
Generally speaking, I have never been impressed with Oprah's forays into movie production. Can anybody say Beloved ( FYI- The works of Toni Morrison should never be adapted for film! Some things were meant to be remain in their original form). So going into the movie, I was excited because I wanted this story to be told yet, filled with dread because in the past Oprah's productions can be a little heavy on message and symbolism. I don't know if it was because of the screenplay, the director, or the actors, but this movie had just enough of it all. Romance, trials, tribulations, redemption and comedy ( can you say SLAP HEARD ROUND THE WORLD?)- basically all the things you go to a the movies to see. They managed to convey the horror of what it meant to be Black in Texas during that time in history with out leaving you depressed and dejected walking out of the theater. After all, we go to the movies to escape.
Lets give a hand clap of praise to whoever made the casting decisions in this movie. They could have given us the same five Black actors who are in every other Black film, but they managed to pull together a group of actors that are relatively unknown. Even if we've seen them before, not in this way. It was nice to have a departure from the same ole same ole and I think it paid off because man, this was a character driven piece. I can't imagine any other actors playing any of these roles.
Now Denzel may have been heavy with his use of the soft focus effect, but the man knows how to direct actors. There was no Tyler Perry method acting excessive crying up in this movie. When a tear was shed, it meant something baby! The subtle things that the actors in this movie did were just amazing. Although Denzel Washington is the big name in this movie, he manages to make his presence known with just a look and a pause. It is when the man is totally silent – COMEDY! And let's talk abotu Forrest Whitaker... the brother speaks volumes just sitting in a chair in the dark! Put the two of them together and watch out.
There wasn't much bad about the movie, HOWEVER, Denzel darlin'. Moi luvs ya. She do she do and I KNOW you are excited to direct, but please, for the love of humanity , lay off the soft focus lens. I know it is fun and nifty to use all the various effects available to you, but several times during the movie, I wondered if I needed to go get my eyes checked, before it occurred to me that you are fascinated with making the outer edges of the frame blurry.
Now somebody needs to hunt down all of the literary references in this movie. I need to read or reread every work mentioned in this movie. Some I have read before, but it has been years and this movie reminded folks about the value of a liberal arts education. Half the time I thought professor Tolson was talking to me. Higher Education isn't just about vocational training, but also about the power of ideas to shape the mind and change the world. They almost had me convinced to go back to school at the end of the movie... I said ALMOST. Whew, now I am off to read some Greek mythology. What was the name of the character from mythology that got stronger with each defeat? I have to be spelling it wrong. Thanks erica b. the name of the character is Antaeus.
Now typically I don't like audience participation during a movie, but in this case, all of our collective participation was appropriate. Let's do a survey, how many times did the audience break out into applause? I think I counted 5. my Theater in Texas was packed with black folks of all ages. Good movie!
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Reader Comments (25)
Fantastic review! I saw it also and thought it was wonderful! The Greek Mythology character is Antaeus, son of Gaia and Poseidon.
Really good review.
Not too sure when it will be coming to the UK but will definitely go and see it when it does.
I wish we had a better balance of black movies.
Have a great Boxing Day.
I saw the movie in Tulsa, OK. It played in several theaters here. I went with a friend last night to the 6:45 show. Most of the seats were full. It was an excellent movie. As stated it had everything that you want in a good movie. I really enjoyed Forest Whitaker. I did not realize that he was a part of the cast until I got to the theater. The actors that played the debaters were wonderful as well. Hopefully they will get more opportunities in other projects.
Even though it was a based on a true story I truly forgot that while watching the movie. If there were more movies like this I would go more. I'm lucky to go to one movie a year if that because most of the movies do not grab my attention. This is one I truly feel everyone should see.
i saw the first show in my area on opening day. i thought the movie was excellent. i thought it was empowering (and also sad at some points). i expected forest and denzel to do well, but the 3 young people on the debate team stole the show for me. i remember the young character who played henry lowe (with an e) was saying on the oprah show that he actually went and read the authors that were talked about in the movie...i may have to follow suit! i give the movie 5 stars.
Great review! I have not yet seen the movie (I stay away from theaters on Christmas Day but plan to see it this weekend).
I saw it a week ago at a premiere showing. It is an excellent film.
One of the points that stick out in my mind about this movie is the way that the characters used their education. I have a liberal arts background and I was glad for that exposure while watching that film. They were challenged to think and use their education.
I plan to see this film again with some of my family members.
The movie was great, wonderful, etc. I LOVED IT! Great acting by everyone! What I took away from it was how important education is, and that I wish more of our people today realized what those before us had to go through to obtain it, and so we can obtain it now. I've given everyone I know rave reviews about it, and urged everyone to go see it. We need more positive, uplifting movies like this!
This was a very powerful movie. It should be added to the curriculum in secondary schools in Literature and/or History, particularly in our urban schools. Their were a lot of contemporary themes explored in this movie, especially for young black men. I strongly agree with you Gina on stopping the foolishness. My only critique, and this is not to patronize you, but Kimberly Elise was too strong of an actress to play the diminutive role that she had in this film. In my opinion, she represented the voice of certain women of that time period (wife, mother), but we really didn't hear what they had to say about what was going on. We heard from the older men (father,teacher), and the young women pursuing education, but not the mothers. All in all and excellent film.
I apologize for spelling "there" out of context. I was in an hurry.
I would agree with you that Kimberly Elise was the only one that didn't seem to fit her character. But her character would have had to be strong to be the wife of Rev. Former. I guess it is in how you viewed her character. I bet if we watch it again I'll pick up some nuance I lost, but both of th wives clearly were powerful in that they had the ability to reign in their husbands with a cup of punch.
As I walked down the steps of the theatre, I cataloged every child I could bring with me to this movie this weekend. Thanks for your review, I must say I was so caught up in the film, I didn't notice the lighting. At some moments, I felt as if I were the characters or that I was reading book about these people.
I was deeply moved on so many levels.
This movie was delicious as a cheesecake...you know what it will contain (chuck full of great character actors), but the interplay of the flavors excite you with each bite. The inflection on their faces told you of their dreams for one another and themselves. The hope, not only to survive but to thrive for an entire people. My only wish is that we still felt this way collectively. Happy Kwanzaa!
Habari Gana? Umoja!
I haven't seen the movie yet. I am heading to Los Angeles in the morning to spend the next week with my mom. I plan to take her to see it later this week. Thanx for not spoiling it for me!
Harambee!
Villager
"but both of th wives clearly were powerful in that they had the ability to reign in their husbands with a cup of punch."
Yeah, I liked that scene!
(Won't go too much further to avoid spoiling it for those that haven't seen it yet :-))
Great review.
What age should a child be to see this movie??? My husband thinks the subject matter is too deep for our children.
I really want to see this movie, but the kiddies want to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I am really not feeling Alvin and his friends today.
I guess I will sneak to the movies this weekend to see this movie. Sigh.
Gina's review was right on point.
I thought it was a very inspiring and uplifting film. I dragged my family out on Christmas afternoon and a great time was had by all.
Our screening was in a pretty packed theater, so I am hopeful for an extremely strong financial showing for the film.
Gina beat me to posting a review, so feel free to read my review at
http://auntjemimasrevenge.blogspot.com
The only thing I could find to fuss about was the lousy previews before the film. LOL!!!!
Attorneymom,
even though there were deadbeat parents who had their toddlers up in there screaming half the time, I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of 13. there are a couple of scenes with some pretty bad images of brutality in them. There is no nudity, but there is definitely sex. you don't see much, but I would squirm if my kids were watching.
I cant say too much because I don't want to spoil the movie. email me girl.
Thanks for the heads-up. I'm enticed. After all, I got family in Marshall, TX and a cousin who actually attended Wiley in the 1960s. By way of passing, my daughter went to PV (I know that short-cut to Houston).
Gina, I will email you when I get home. I am currently in the movies watching the new Alvin and the chipmunks' new movie. Ugh!!
AM, the movie is rated PG-13. I would not recommend it for your young blessings either. There is one part that I think some squemish adults would squirm over. I'm really strict with what media I watch. However I think this one is a good one. Very little language and sex. I would suggest people that have teens to take them to the movie yourself and have a good discussion about the history of those times. For the subject matter I felt the movie was very tastefully done and kept my attention. If there were more movies like this one I would go more often. I would definitely go again with someone to see it. This is one Oprah production that I did not have to pray long and hard to get my spirits up. I left with a smile on my face.
My 9-year-old saw it. He was fine. But thats my kid and I know him. I say, parents know your kids and what they can handle.
His two immediate questions were "how do you get into Congress after stealing?" and "How old was James Farmer Sr in 1961?"
There were two Black men who brought 9 Black kids who ranged from about 6-13. I was proud until the little buggers started talking.
But they did make me laugh when they clapped when the movie wad over.
"This is one Oprah production that I did not have to pray long and hard to get my spirits up." ROFL, pamela.
Also, I am supposed to bring my nephews and niece, to the movie tomorrow, but now I think that I will leave the 10 year old at home. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for creating this blog. Your review was good. I just came from watching The Great Debaters movie and I was totally moved. At the end of movie, tears flowed as I realized how important it is to pursue excellence. It made me remember that I have an obligation to be great and excellent for this is the legacy that has been passed down to me... to all of us.
The seeds of greatness are within us and we must focus on becoming what God created us to be...Great!
Peace and Blessings
The movie was wonderful. I was thrilled to see young people in the movie theater.
Loved the movie. Will see it again before the weekend is over. I thought the acting was on the money. I think that folks who criticize the 'Wife' roles have to take into account 'the times'. I said awhile ago that Black women knew feminism long before White women did; we threw away the model that was worked out for us by our elders; brilliant, strong women who knew how to balance things. Kimberly Elise showed that - she was every bit her husband's equal, yet her family meant everything to her, and they were a team to keep it together.
I loved the balance of Forest and Denzel's characters. Forest was more conservative; more ' Old School', yet, being that it was the Jim Crow South, he was a 'radical' just by his existence, and did what he had to do in order to help Denzel's character when he was taken in.
The young actors were fabulous. Terrific. I've been waiting for Jurnee Smollet to get worthy acting parts since Eve's Bayou. I hope it won't take another decade for her to be able to show her acting chops.
I want to thank Oprah and Denzel for this movie.
Dumb as usual from oprah