With the summer season just about wrapped, the Fall will offer lots of quality and worth-seeing films. Here's the first pic of Denzel Washington in 'The Great Debaters', a film in which he directed and being co-produced by Oprah Winfrey.
Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South and inspired by a true story, "The Great Debaters" chronicles the journey of a brilliant but volatile coach (Denzel Washington) who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small, modest black college in East Texas into an elite debate team while challenging the social mores of the time, culminating with a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard's championship team.
Cast includes Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker.
This is Washington's second directorial film since he did 'Antwone Fisher' with Derek Luke.
The Weinstein Co. will release 'The Great Debaters' on Dec.25, 2007.
Comments: (15)
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By: dionice on 8/31/2007 6:17AM
Denzel Whitaker??????? Hahahahahah!!! Sounds like it won't be shown on too many screens. The whites in this country won't support a "black film" that shows their bigotry. I wonder who is gonna be the lone "white hope" that contradicts all the other mean ole white people. And NO ONE will get any nominations or awards for this effort. Cynical but true.
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By: Lisa on 8/31/2007 10:03AM
This movie sound like a winner possibly another Oscar for Denzel. Lord know their a shortage on quality films.
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By: Robyn Maria Hamlin on 8/31/2007 10:21AM
I'm so proud of Denzel Washington for his decision to direct "The Great Debaters." The one thing that I have always admired about Denzel is the fact that he remains true to his craft and he tends to favor projects that have such an emotional impact on society. And the fact that this movie is being co-produced by Oprah Winfrey gives it that much more of a green light! I've watched a lot of Denzel's movies and he has inspired me on so many levels as an aspiring African American screenwriter. Through Denzel I've learned that impact is everything!
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By: Angela on 8/31/2007 6:14PM
I wonder if this story is based on the career of Dr. Freeman, of Texas Southern University...it sure sounds like his life...a great speaker, teacher and mentor. If it is, what a deserving honor!!
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By: desiree nelson on 8/31/2007 9:58PM
well you may be cynical but you are right. white peopole hate these types of movies they love it when black people are rapist killers and kiss up to whites. they love it when blacks dont mention truths about bigotry and rasism, but does it really matter if whites like it or not. we like it. just like we love tyler perry and whites hated that stuf in the beginning. most black people have given up trying to apeace white america.
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By: Luke on 9/01/2007 5:41PM
All the "White People hate Black People" comments are ridiculous. Remember The Titans is one of the most popular sports movies of all times. It's about black people overcoming racism. I mean, come on. I'm white and I'm looking forward to this.
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By: Deron on 9/01/2007 1:37PM
Can't wait to see it. Jurnee Smollett is one to watch! These are the type of black films I'd like to see more of.
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By: Lori on 9/02/2007 11:50AM
Denzel Whitaker??? Was that a typo????
visit: http://www.mygreatbag.com
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By: peach on 9/02/2007 8:48PM
Hey Denz. your are one of the best actors in a minuet. Keep up the good work.
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By: bbbkowens@aol.com on 9/03/2007 2:09PM
Denzel is the greatest actor of all time. He should have won the oscar for Philadelphia, the Hurricane, the Seige, John Q., and maybe even the pelican brief and Crimson tide. And I almost forgot Malcom X was a definate snub. He also played a great part in Fallen. Along with this movie he also has a gangster thing coming out, both of which should put him back into oscar consideration. win100dollars.com IPC#2480905
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