This marvelous movie may have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle with all those high powered Oscar favorites, but for me it's equal to many of the Best Picture nominees, if not better than some ("Atonement" comes to mind). Based on actual events, the story involves a group of African American students at a small college in Texas during the 1930s who are inspired by their teacher (Denzel Washington in an outstanding performance) to work their way up through championships against debate teams from other states, eventually taking on the elite Harvard debate team in an unprecedented challenge between white and black students. This is Denzel's second directorial effort, and he continues to impress as a very talented director as well as a wonderful actor. He's put together an exciting young cast, including Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Jermaine Williams and Denzel Whitaker as the debaters, with the always incredible Forest Whitaker as the local minister and father of one of the students. It's fun watching two Oscar winning actors (Denzel and Forest) go head to head, although they only actually share a couple of scenes together.
This movie could have fallen into the trap of being one of those saccharine, uplifting and completely predictable films about triumphing over impossible odds. Although it does lend itself to being placed in this category, it somehow manages to escape the trap of sentimentality through an excellent script and characters who defy stereotype. There's more edge to the movie than I expected, plus important history lessons about a time, not that long ago, when race relations were truly dangerous and horrific. I'd love to see this film shown in schools since it personalizes the inequities of racism in a most effective way. Aside from its social importance, the movie is also tremendously entertaining. I hope audiences will keep it in mind while they're rushing out to see those Best Picture Oscar nominees.
Things to love about this movie: Charismatic actor Nate Parker, a smart script, Denzel's impressive performance and directing
Things to hate about this movie: Can't think of a one
Pleasant surprises: Takes on social issues with plenty of edge, refreshingly unsentimental, Jurnee Smollett's fiery female debate team member
Unpleasant surprises: Overlooked by most award groups (did receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture)
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