The Great Debaters

On Saturday, January 12, 2008, I went to see the movie The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington. This is the movie that was directed by him, and produced by Oprah Winfrey. (It was a dead giveaway when it's a Harpo Films production - Harpo being Oprah spelled backwards).

The story is about a debate team, and their triumphs over other teams... And it also deals with racism, as most of the topics that the debate team deals with are racism issues (segregation, etc.) It also tackles racism experiences through the life experiences of the members of the debate team, or of family related to the members of the debate team. It also tackles a bit of sexism as well, as there was one female student who tried out to be on the debate team, and I felt that she had to work extra hard to prove that she was just as good, if not better than any other student who tried out to be on the debate team.

A heart-felt story with very good acting from Denzel Washington. It is also a very emotional story, and some parts of the film will probably get you to tear up a bit.

I saw this movie with my neighbours, the gay couple whom you know as Raoul and Rupert, and according to Rupert, this movie will win an Oscar. I like movies, but I don't know enough about films to be able to fathom a guess.