1. THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
BRING YOUR HANKIES WHEN YOU SEE THIS
INSPIRING FILM
‘DEBATERS’ MEDDLES A BIT WITH HISTORY, BUT
OFFERS EDUCATION AND HOPE
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Section: FAITH
Edition: ONE-THREE
Page: 5E
Type: REVIEW
KIMBERLY SUMMERS, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Column: KIMBERLY SUMMERS - TEEN SCREENS
Illustration: PHOTOS: 6
Caption: 1. WEINSTEIN COMPANY PHOTO. Denzel Washington directs and stars in "The Great
Debaters," rated PG-13.; 2. Parker; 3. Smollet; 4. D. Whitaker; 5. F. Whitaker; 6. Elise
With my eyes glued to "The Great Debaters," I was suddenly encompassed by an overwhelming
sense of encouragement. The translation was lost between my pen and the paper lying on my lap,
and that energy was released to my heart. Where notes should have been, wet stains originating from
teardrops could be found.
The emotion in the theater was heard, as well as felt. From laughter to a tearful restoration of hope
to its endearing ending, this movie is sure to strike a variety of chords in your heart.
The story, set in little Marshall, Texas, in 1935, illustrates coach Melvin Tolson's journey to
convince his college debaters that the power of their words defeats all.
The story takes us on an empowering roller-coaster ride through the South in the 1930s, focusing a
bit more on the social upheaval than actual debating.
Debaters Henry Lowe (Nate Parker), Samantha Booke (Jurnee Smollet) and James Farmer Jr.
(Denzel Whitaker) are characterized distinctly and uniquely.
Young Junior is the curious child who always means well. Fierce Samantha defiantly defends her
gender as the only female, causing quite a debate among the male debaters. Opposite these two
roles is Henry, who is unquestionably aware of his deft debating skills and his aplomb with women.
"Debaters" educates even the youngest viewers. It refers to such literary greats as Langston Hughes
and Henry Thoreau and his famous "Civil Disobedience." (Now I finally see my teacher's purpose
in assigning that essay for Civics and Economics!) The authors mentioned were accompanied by
quotes that made me nod in agreement and stifle a quick chuckle. While coaching these youngsters,
Tolson's (Denzel Washington) questionable teaching methods and radical ideals begin to surface,
and both of those lead to controversy.
The acting by leading and supporting players filled any small voids in the screenplay. Though left
with mediocre roles, Forest Whitaker and Kimberly Elise delivered heartfelt performances (as the

2. president of Tolson's college and his wife). Washington, who also directed, balanced both jobs
surprisingly well for a second time after "Antwone Fisher."
As inspiring as this story is, a few facts were arranged to fit the overall mood and message. Only
one character, James Farmer Jr., was truly a debater; the remaining debaters are composite
characters. The national championship opponents were changed from the University of Southern
California to Harvard, because (according to the director) "Harvard is the gold standard."
Nonetheless, altering names and locations didn't change the buoyancy of the movie, whose Oscar-
worthy performances are well worth your while.
"The Great Debaters" is rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material, including violence
and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.