My wife and I tossed this one into the Netflix queue, and it finally came in. Watched it last night and really enjoyed this simple, but powerful movie.

It's set in the early 1900's, during the time of heavy segregation and discrimination. The core of the movie is about a small Black college debate team that goes on to win a large number of debates on core human and civil rights issues.

Along the way, the team experiences many things, personal empowerment, the horror of lynching, and personal struggles with debauchery.

The professor is involved with organized labor, and we get to see a little of what kind of risk that was during those times.

Tonight I'll play it again for my oldest son, who is Black, thinking he has it rough. Really, he has no idea... The strong themes in the movie will resonate with him, maybe giving some perspective.

Most of the movie is well shot, beautiful places and people. I enjoyed the simple clarity of it.

Actors were convincing, for the most part, and the characters were well developed and vivid.

This is a simple, powerful movie, that will make you think, and feel some powerful emotions at the same time. Recommended, with popcorn!

Our teenage daughter was in Mock Trials this year and it was suggested she see this movie. Time to contact the library and put in on hold.

Thanks Doug.

This is a simple, powerful movie, that will make you think, and feel some powerful emotions at the same time. Recommended!

I second that!!!!

That's probably a good suggestion. Some of the feel of what debating is about and why it matters is captured. Honestly, they could have shown a bit more of that, but that opinion is only really because I'm interested in those things.

The moments they do present are powerful ones though. If somebody does not have the idea that words hold power, they will absolutely get it after watching this film.

There is also some very interesting exploration about the structure of the team itself, how that matters, what the roles are, and the pressure that comes from trying to get at some greater resolution.

Seeing the Harvard debate hall is good too. The movie conveys the same feeling one gets when they get to finally be in one of the real, grown up, powerful places. Sports stadiums, radio studios, stages, etc...

That's cool stuff for a teen, IMHO.

One very important message is good affirmation for the idea that, if we don't speak, we lose as others will speak for us. The majority rule idea is flawed and the power of debate and it's role in democracy and law is given the good treatment near the end of the film.