Great Debaters Coming to DVD May 13
A controversial figure, challenging the social mores of the time, Professor Melvin Tolson (Washington) used unconventional and ferocious teaching methods to shape a debate team at Wiley College, a small African American university in Texas during the 1930s. Fighting against all odds and paving their way to success, the team reaches a pivotal moment when they are faced with one of their greatest challenges yet, going up against Harvard University’s critically acclaimed national championship debate team.
This inspiring film captures a time in history that is difficult to remember where racism was rampant in our country. Denzel proficiently tackles the story in a compelling fashion with high drama that at times makes you cringe, yet brings a smile to your face at the end. There are some graphic depictions of violence but they are paramount to telling the story and historically accurate.
Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington directs and leads an ensemble cast including Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Jumee Smollett and up-and-coming actors Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker. Winner of four NAACP Image Awards including Best Motion Picture, THE GREAT DEBATERS chronicles Professor Melvin B. Tolson, a brilliant and steadfast debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of students from a small African American college into a historically renowned debate team.
THE GREAT DEBATERS garnered numerous awards including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture, the African American Film Critics Award for Best Picture, the Stanley Kramer Award and the Freedom of Expression Award.
