Watch The Great Debaters

In 1935 rural Texas, Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College, assembles a debate team consisting of his students in order to challenge the so-called "Jim Crow" laws that relegating African-Americans to second-class citizenship. The team, led by the determined and charismatic Henry Lowe, is composed of four students, including the gifted and insecure James Farmer Jr. and the fiery, ambitious Samantha Booke.

As the team competes in local and regional competitions, they must navigate the racial tensions and violence that exist in the deeply segregated South. Their journey is not only a battle of wits but a battle for their rights as human beings. The team's skill and eloquence inspire not just their fellow African-Americans, but people of all races and backgrounds who are struggling to make their voices heard.

Throughout the film, we see Tolson's leadership and mentorship, as he pushes his students to realize their full potential both in and out of the classroom. The Great Debaters proves that the power of words and ideas can overcome even the most entrenched and oppressive social structures.

With powerful performances from the entire cast, The Great Debaters is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant drama that highlights the struggles and triumphs of an inspiring group of young people. It is a tribute to the importance of education, intellectual freedom, and standing up for what is right in the face of adversity.

The Great Debaters is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 65.