The Great Debaters

We watched the movie “The Great Debaters” in class the other day, a movie I recommend everyone to see. The film draws inspiration from the true story of the temperamental, inspiring, wise and political engaged debate coach and professor at the “black” college Wiley, Melvin B. Tolson. The plot builds around Wiley college debate team and Mr Tolson and their struggle towards the title as winners of the national championship. But in addition to telling us about Melvin and the debate team’s accomplishments “The Great Debaters” also shows us the unpleasant and unimaginable conditions for Afro-Americans in the early 20^th century.

For me the fact that the movie focuses on the extreme racism that existed in The US in the beginning of the 20^th century, was the main reason to see it. When learning about racism in school the theme has always been combined with great and historical persons like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King jr, Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela.  I had never heard of Melvin B. Tolson or realized how horrible coloured people were treated in USA in the 1930s, before watching this movie. In my opinion a part of “The Great Debaters” success is because it enlightens people and makes them more aware of a historical period that hasn’t been given much attention earlier. It is also the main reason why I recommend you all to see “The Great Debaters” because it tells an important story that deserves to be heard. 

To watch the trailer of the movie click here! 

I really like how the director and scrip-writer have managed to melt the story about Wiley college debate team and the story of the discriminatory Jim Crow laws of the 1930s into one story. Wiley collage debate team’s struggle of becoming national champions and the fight against racism becomes one major, touching and inspiring combat. The characters in the film fights against suppression, racism and injustice the same way they compete in debates -   A debate begins with a resolution. It starts with a point to prove. It is a form of battle, fought with words. 

Underneath you can watch the closing argument to one of the main characters James Farmer jr, during their debate against Harvard.

"The Great Debaters" is an inspiring story of curage, creativity and resolve, and it is a movie worth watching!

Sources:

The movie "The Great Debaters"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427309/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Debaters

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/great_debaters/