The Great Debaters (2007) Review in 2024
The Great Debaters is a heartwarming and inspiring true story about a group of high school students from a low-income neighborhood who form a debate team and compete against wealthy private schools.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild language and themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its inspiring true story, memorable characters, and powerful performances. It's a great choice for fans of drama and sports movies.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the journey of James 'Coach Carter' (Denzel Washington) as he takes a group of underprivileged students from Lincoln High School to the National Debate Championships, facing off against wealthy and well-prepared teams along the way.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and inspiring, with a clear message about the power of education and determination. The plot is well-structured and moves at a good pace, with a satisfying conclusion.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with Denzel Washington delivering a powerful and inspiring performance as Coach Carter. The supporting cast is also impressive, particularly the young actors who play the debate team members.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Denzel Washington delivering a standout performance as Coach Carter. The supporting cast is also impressive, particularly the young actors who play the debate team members.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with a clear vision for the story and its themes. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of drama and humor.
cinematography7.50/10
The cinematography is decent, with some impressive shots of the debate team in action. However, the overall visual style is not particularly memorable or standout.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Great Debaters is an inspiring and engaging true story with memorable characters, powerful performances, and a clear message about the power of education and determination.
Cons
The cinematography is not particularly memorable or standout, and some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"The debate is not just about winning or losing, it's about learning and growing."
"The only thing separating us from the great debaters is our willingness to take the risk."
"We are not just debaters, we are leaders."
