First Hit: Despite a lousy title this is a very strong, wonderful and powerful film.
This film, based on a true story and is very well acted and directed by Denzel Washington.
Supporting Denzel (as Melvin Tolson) in this film are powerful performances by Forest Whitaker (as Dr. James Farmer Sr.), Nate Parker (as Henry Lowe) Jurnee Smollett (as Samantha Brooke), and Denzel Whitaker (as James Farmer Jr.).
This 1935 drama is based on the true story of Mr. Tolson, a professor at a small Texas college called Wiley, and how he inspired this all black debating team to beat Harvard University the best white debating team in the country.
Complicating the team’s difficulties, Melvin was also involved in developing a small farmer's cooperative which caused problems for both him and the team.
The strong acting was supported by even handed direction in moving this inspirational story forward on the merits of the debaters learning how to accept, support and trust each other.
Reflective of the time period and geography, audiences are shown scenes of the divisive prejudices, cruelty, and violence that still existed and permeated much of the Southern United States. The act of defeating Harvard University was a strong statement on the idiocy of baseless prejudices.
Overall: One of the best films I’ve seen all year because I was deeply touched.