The film may be manipulative in its construction and
Posted on May 11, 2008
The film may be manipulative in its construction, and cliché-ridden in some of the incidents it recounts, but it has a good, large heart. For all of its hermetic dramatic license, The Great Debators hits its emotional marks with help from Forest Whitaker and a talented ensemble cast that includes Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, and newcomer Denzel Whitaker. Great Debaters dvd Washington’s crisp direction and the sharp performances help to leaven the inspirational emphasis of Robert Eisele’s screenplay while steadily building tension. By the time it’s over even cynics will be fighting the impulse to stand up and cheer. As the director, Denzel Washington brings no special stylistic flourish to the film, instead placing himself at the straightforward service of the Oprah Winfrey-produced story. Seeing Tolson expose his young students to the poets of the Harlem Renaissance and instilling in them a sense of pride and rebellion is inspiring Tolson is a fascinating character who could command an entire movie himself. Even when its just one person standing at a lectern, the frame is never static, the tension never slack.
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