It’s an inspirational tale of triumph over adversity that plays the debate competition like an underdog sports movie, complete with the cheering crowds celebrating each win, and the plotting of their road to victory is too neatly designed.

Full Review | Apr 6, 2024

It follows a traditional sports movie narrative, showing us the team’s competitive and inner struggles, offering some profound experiences with which these debaters use to reinforce their arguments.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 6, 2023

Though the classic underdog formula provides a somewhat predictable patterning, it's nevertheless a powerful story.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 24, 2020

The debate is over. THE GREAT DEBATERS is one of the great movies of 2007.

Full Review | Nov 6, 2019

An old fashioned feel-good movie, well acted and solidly crafted - the kind of which there will always be room for.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 6, 2019

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Feb 18, 2012

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 17, 2011

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 18, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 18, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 18, 2008

Washington directed as well as starred, and it is clear he has no trouble wearing both hats at once

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 8, 2008

This is a wonderfully acted and directed movie, that has something important to say

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 22, 2008

I was having mediocre day and I walked out of the movie totally pumped up and ready for the rest of the day, even though it was 10pm at night.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jun 1, 2008

There's a real organic sense in the film of how young minds can be nurtured and energized way beyond sex, sports and slacker attitude, into caring and evolving kid works-in-progress. And how debating can be pretty cool too, who knew?

Full Review | May 2, 2008

The acting is great and care is taken to develop these characters into people we can root for.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Apr 10, 2008

Enough fictional liberties were taken with The Great Debaters to make it fit neatly on the inspirational genre shelf, but it's grounded in enough reality to excuse Eisle's we-shall-overcome contrivances

Full Review | Mar 17, 2008

Showcasing the history is done with care and purpose, but I wanted more. I wanted more time between Washington and Forest Whitaker. I wanted more...

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Mar 4, 2008

Although we instinctively should be rooting for these characters, Eisele bends the rules of academic debate to make sure the outcome is never in doubt.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 15, 2008

Nate Parker may end up the next Denzel Washington. He has the charm and emotional punch. Put him in more things.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 12, 2008

Sometimes a movie is so literate, so positive and reveals such an intriguing piece of history that it's like a two-hour classroom session.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Feb 9, 2008