Production Company: Harpo Productions
Release Year: 2007
Summary:
This film, directed by Denzel Washington, is based on a true story revolving around the events a 1930's debate team from Wiley College in Texas experiences. The debate team coach, Melvin Tolson, trains four young college students to be the best debaters possible in an effort to get a match against Harvard. Along the way, this debate team faces racism and various personal obstacles.
Qualitative Analysis:
This film could be categorized as Moderately Complex. As far as organization, the movie is very clear. The events occur chronologically although some connections between various events are subtle or implicit. Its language features are largely explicit and easy to understand however some of the debate specific vocabulary is fairly advanced. Most other vocabulary is familiar and conversational although some southern dialect is used. The theme is clear and consistent throughout the story. There is a slight knowledge demand to understand what life was like in the southern US during the 1930's. The experiences portrayed are common to that time period although many of them are quite upsetting. The media-content is slightly advanced as it is necessary for the viewer to actively analyze the message of the film throughout.
Content Standards:
This film connects well with en English unit on persuasion or a history unit on the United States.
CA Social Science Standard Grade 11
11.10 Students analyze the development of federal civil rights and voting rights.
a. Examine and analyze the key events, policies, and court cases in the evolution of civil rights, including Dred Scott v. Sandford, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, and California Proposition 209.
b. Describe the collaboration on legal strategy between African American and white civil rights lawyers to end racial segregation in higher education.CA English Language Arts Standard Grade 8
2.4 Write persuasive compositions:
a. Include a well-defined thesis (i.e., one that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment).
b. Present detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support arguments, differentiating between facts and opinion.
c. Provide details, reasons, and examples, arranging them
Personal Response:
This is a moving, excellent film that very accurately portrays the time period. I have used this film numerous times as part of my persuasion unit for 8th grade and the students are always very engaged. This film really leads to great discussions and good written analysis.
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