The Great Debaters
Seen it?2007 | 126 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Selma or Richard Jewell, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 6 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild Stanley Kramer Award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$30 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 158K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Denzel Washington
- Denzel WhitakerJames Farmer Jr.
- Denzel WashingtonMelvin B. Tolson
- Nate ParkerHenry Lowe
- Jurnee Smollett-BellSamantha Booke
- Forest WhitakerDr. James Farmer Sr.
- Kimberly ElisePearl Farmer
- Jermaine WilliamsHamilton Burgess
- Gina RaveraRuth Tolson
- John HeardSheriff Dozier
- Devyn A. TylerHelen Farmer