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You wish it had more faith in the intellect of its viewers. It calls out for a thornier director, one who might have made an ironic meal out of the phony wars of words hiding deeper resentments. Washingtons direction is never less than capable, and cinematographer Philippe Rousselots images flow gracefully from scene to scene. Great Debaters dvd The story needed to be told, but like most inspirational sagas, whether based on fact or fiction, Denzel Washingtons sophomore effort as helmer doesnt escape the genres main problems of formulaic narrative and predictably uplifting outcome. In a season where so many of the films out there are dark, its a pleasure to find a grown up movie that celebrates perseverance and hope. All of this unfolds with such predictability, the title might as well be The Great Foregone Conclusion. The plot holes and formulaic feel are overcome by the superb acting. As is true in the world of debate, carefully chosen and delivered words win the day.