I am not a big fan of movies, and almost all the films I have ever watched are action movies or comedies. However, thanks to the debate activity this semester, I am recommended watching this film by my teacher. Initially, I found it really challenging to keep focus and go along with the plot because it seemed so boring. Even though I could be lured by negative prejudice, I still maintained my attention span in order to get some valuable lessons from the movie.
The drama is based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a well-known poet and a professor at Wiley College, Texas. The story line is about how he inspired his brilliant students to establish a debate team and their journey to challenge Harvard – the contemporary champion for winning the national championship. All of the events took place in the year 1935. At that time, apartheid was still something so commonplace that caused lots of miseries for black people in the States. The main characters are described as ones that contribute to fighting for justice for the Negro. At the end of the film, there is some extra information about those characters. They all achieved their self-realization and devoted to bettering the community and strongly supporting the victims of racism, which is so touching to know.
That the movie provided viewers with a great deal of information on several realms, ranging from history to Greek mythology, or even life lessons. Not only can I attain some knowledge but I can also obtain some tips on debating process by watching “The great debaters”. Everyone in the Wiley College’s team was exceptionally outstanding and motivational, and the way they putting their own experiences into their speech is worth studying as well. From what I have learnt, I hope that in the not-so-distant future, I will be a powerful and convincing speaker like those in the film.
It goes without saying that virtually everyone in “The great debaters” acted so well. They did a good job, so that I can feel the real vibe and implied messages underlying in their facial expressions, words and attitudes. Nevertheless, this is an academic film, so I managed to employ all of my nerves in the brain with an aim to get the hang of how the story line is illustrated as well as to get the point of the screenwriter. With a person who is used to enjoying action movies like me, having enough patience to watch until the end of such complicated film, especially when I do not like it, is a glorious victory.
No matter how good the film is, there are still some weaknesses in my opinion. The most obvious drawback is its length. I just wonder why they made the movie so long with so many unnecessary details which could have been cut out in order to get a tidier version. For example, there is no need to show the scene of Lowe and Booke making love in Lowe’s humble cottage. Besides, I deem that this film is somewhat like a production of Bollywood, not in terms of sound effects but the way cameramen zooming in characters’ faces. That is one of the factors leading to the inordinate length of “The great debaters”.
This is the very first time I have ever finished watching viewing a movie belonging to the genre that is completely far from my favorite. That is why I feel like I did succeed in defeating the old me who used to do everything at will. The production of this journal is considered a remarkable accomplishment after the past down days. I will move forward and continue with my goals.
brillbro 