Review of The Great Debaters (2007) by Luke B — 21 Aug 2008

If you don't think there are quite enough films out there detailing the struggle for the rights of black people, or enough films about an underdog team facing off against the favourites then here's another film for you.

Luckily it is handled with great care and attention by Washington who is actually only the support for a very young lead cast. The best scenes are those with both Washington and Whitaker acting off, those these are few and far between.

There are far more interesting issues below the surface here, such as the fight for a union which is uniting whites and blacks (even racist seeming ones) in secrecy for a better life. Washingtons political ties are also often hinted at, but as he says his own politics are not important.

Not to the main story that is, but you know it's going to end in a speech, and you can see the final address will be spoken by the most nervous and youngest member of the debate team and so on. A great film to watch unfold, but not entirely engrossing when all the pieces are laid out.