4 out of 6 stars
Great Debaters
Internally satisfying, The Great Debaters is a delightful picture filled with the hope (Denzel) Washington has supplied consistently throughout his career. No overcomplicated shots, and strong performances all around keeps Debaters simple yet solid enough to deeply engage and basely inspire.
Following the 1935 Wiley College debate team, compromised of a few black college students ( a youthful Jurnee Smollett, Henry Lowe, and Jermaine Williams) and teen James Farmer Jr. ( Denzel Whitaker ) as they debate and lap the boundaries of human relationships. Led by Melvin Tolson ( wild haired, always intense Denzel Washington) the debate team struggle, learn, experience trauma, and then realize the ideology of what a winner is in a traditional cinematic manner seen before.
Understudied is the obstacle haunting each member of the debate team personally, where as the obstacle of the whole team ( racism in the south circa 1930’s) was handled with a firm touch. Each member ( one’s too young [this was the most explored], one’s female, one is stubborn and enjoys a sip more often than he should, hell..they may just be led by a communist) uses the effects of obstacle to overcome, yet these very obstacles were only gazed upon and left dry.
In all the film is worth a look, its historical and narrative elements can run deep into an open heart while remaining close to the surface. Inspiration ain’t always profound.
Great Debaters
Internally satisfying, The Great Debaters is a delightful picture filled with the hope (Denzel) Washington has supplied consistently throughout his career. No overcomplicated shots, and strong performances all around keeps Debaters simple yet solid enough to deeply engage and basely inspire.
Following the 1935 Wiley College debate team, compromised of a few black college students ( a youthful Jurnee Smollett, Henry Lowe, and Jermaine Williams) and teen James Farmer Jr. ( Denzel Whitaker ) as they debate and lap the boundaries of human relationships. Led by Melvin Tolson ( wild haired, always intense Denzel Washington) the debate team struggle, learn, experience trauma, and then realize the ideology of what a winner is in a traditional cinematic manner seen before.
Understudied is the obstacle haunting each member of the debate team personally, where as the obstacle of the whole team ( racism in the south circa 1930’s) was handled with a firm touch. Each member ( one’s too young [this was the most explored], one’s female, one is stubborn and enjoys a sip more often than he should, hell..they may just be led by a communist) uses the effects of obstacle to overcome, yet these very obstacles were only gazed upon and left dry.
In all the film is worth a look, its historical and narrative elements can run deep into an open heart while remaining close to the surface. Inspiration ain’t always profound.
No comments:
Post a Comment