Denzel Washington is excellent in this movie. I did not know anything about the movie when I rented it, but knew he was good in every movie of his I'd ever seen. Gripping story--very inspiring, and also humbling to learn about the character and tenacity of the Wiley College debate team. The title would easily let a person pass by the movie on a shelf, but the story and production have a lot of substance. The setting of the movie is early 1900s in Texas at a small black (Negro--with a capital N...pointed out in the movie) college. Denzel Washington is a professor who selects and trains the college debate team. Woven through the movie is prejudice, hatred, fear, terror, disappointment, laughter, heartache, drive, and success. The movie is a powerful look at the striking contrasts of the powerful and powerless, the fearful and fearless, the intimidators and intimidated, the proud and the humble. The last thing I will mention is that Denzel Washington was the only "star" in the movie. The other actors were either unknown or little known to me, which made it seem more like reality and less trying to analyze their acting ability or what other roles they had previously played.Read full review
Two words perfectly sum up this movie - inspirational and uplifting. I have not seen Antwone Fisher, but I will be sure to check it out after seeing this. Before watching this, I had never even heard about Wiley College or what it did in the '30s, so not only is it great entertainment but it is also educational. I don't know how closely the movie follows the actual events so I can't point out the flaws, but it doesn't matter because the movie is brilliant and moving. This is an underdog movie and you'll be rooting for the Wiley College team throughout the movie. The acting is marvelous by all the actors, but recognition has to be given to the three stars that portray the debaters, Denzel Washington, and Forest Whitaker. Not only is Denzel great as an actor, he is even better as a director. As other reviewers have said, out of all the actors Denzel Whitaker is the star. His portrayal of James Farmer, Jr. is outstanding and this role will certainly further his acting career. Forest Whitaker doesn't have a huge role to play, but he performs his parts beautifully (for example the hog and the sheriff scenes). Overall this is a very inspirational and uplifting movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets a few Oscar nods.Read full review
This movie is just wonderful! It has it's moments that make you see how hard life used to be. Suspenseful, funny, and very charismatic! Denzel Washington not only starred, but directed this film! I had the privilege of meeting him on the set! He gave me my first real shot at doing a stunt in the movie world. It wasn't anything too big, it was just in the first 5 mins of the film. When Nate Parker (Lowe) meets Trudel (Beasley), he throws him out the door of the juke joint. I'm the guy who got thrown through the door and down those few steps. Denzel is a very down to earth kind of guy has a natural talent and ability for film making. You'll love the setting, you'll love the actors and actresses, and you'll love the debates!! Great GREAT movie! Get it while you can!Read full review
My wife has watched this about 42,000 times. Me, somewhat less. That's why I had to buy another copy. She wears out movies she likes. This is a thought provoking movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Learned history good movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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