The Great Debaters - Jurnee, Nate, Denzel "Cool to be Smart"

[NiKKiBSEXCii]

This movie made me want to better myself as a black girl.

I mean it just hit me, idk maybe it's just me. Anyways the cast

was amazing and this movie is amazingly epic :)

[AmericansMakeMeSick]

I'm an african american from Las Vegas, working as a Dental Nurse in Sydney, Australia now. I never use excuses of being from the "GHETTO"...hold back any of my dreams. Thus why I'm here excelling further beyond I could ever imagined.

[misseducated25]

I totally agree with Elizabeth....it should inspire us, as African Americans to achieve higher goals. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same mindset and its quite sad.

[bphi215]

jurnee grew up to be a fine looking young lady, i hope she's never in the news, except for somethin good

[nONo1AnDoNly]

doesn't jurnee have hiv/aids ??

[army2k08]

@nONo1AnDoNly Why do you have to have AIDS to be an activistist for AIDS causes?

[nONo1AnDoNly]

@army2k08 No one said u have to have aids to be an activist for it, in fact I am an activist for aids, I was just asking a simple question because I was unsure if the information I received about Jurnee having hiv/aids was correct. Please don' t jump to conclusions, Thank you.

[1kingOmar]

Blame BET ...

[Jazzomite1]

Jurnee is TOO fine.

[Selimatou]

slaves wore their pants low because they were generally too short. i see nothing because about how the youth of today wears it. It is degrading. The Slaves had to do it but these youngsters don't even know the story. It's shameful. Great Movie!!!!!!

[radkiss]

Great Movie with a message that resonates for African-Americans and all Americans as strong today as it did in 1935...education and dignity are the keys to success....when I see these kids today walking around with their pants hanging off their asses it saddens me to think how hard their ancestors worked to earn their respect and their rights only to be represented by a new generation that would rather cry about the past than be accountable for their own future....Peace

[Mommy2Jerzee]

@radkiss while in general i do agree that many do indeed cry about the past, rather than draw strength and inspiration from it and make their own future and their own new history, i would hope we also learned from our ancestors not to judge simply based on how a person wears their clothes. my husband wears his pants a bit low, albeit high enough to not have to worry about losing them... he is also a very kind, respectful, intelligent man who has great respect for history and others. Its fashion.

[chicomibaby]

@Mommy2Jerzee I respect your opinion, but i still do not understand how showing underwear is fashion,

[Mommy2Jerzee]

I dont understand it either, hell i dont understand MOST fashion today.... but i dont judge based on it. I see women go for runs in public and down the street and all they have on is a sports bra. Yet they dont seem to get judged.

[richbullva]

why are we so hard on the youth,,so what they were their pants hanging that has nothing to do with their humanity

[JamacnDade]

It is truly enlightening to see the youth speak on intelligence...especially with the new fad of ignorance and stupidity being the "cool" thing to do now.

[chimumumu]

You guys are the best just watched your movie. great work guys.

[Mo33zy]

love me some NATE PARKER!!!

[JayneMariefromDet]

Happy Birthday Nate. :-)

[balibabi]

Jurnee is soooo beautiful, soulful and intellegent!

[ceb2008love]

"I am used  to testosterone"

[JayneMariefromDet]

I had FORGOTTEN about her huge family. She does have a lot of brothers.

[ceb2008love]

Can anyone tell me why they did not debate fast like I see  on the CBS national debate competition?

[tweetydirector]

You mean in the movie?

[ceb2008love]

yes. In the movie they debate very eloquently and nice but I saw some university debates on youtube and they were talking fast like a bunch of idiots

[tweetydirector]

I think that the fast talking is the new way. I agree with you that the old way was so much more eloquent and also made it more amazing because they really had to rile the crowd.

[ceb2008love]

They for sure understand each other when they talk fast but it became pointless if no one else understand them or if their speech lack so much eloquence that it does not have any influence on people

[tplez]

Considering the number of comments posted about sex appeal, it seems we need more films like this one - films that show us that what comes from your BRAIN through your mouth is much more powerful then how luscious your mouth looks.

[braxtonioan]

DAAAAAAAAMMMMMMNNNNN Jurnee! how old is she

[kirk0320]

Jurnee is on sexy ass sista

[evette407]

Nate Parker is sooo cute to me:)

i dont know what it is about him, maybe it's

his lips! mmmhhh!

[zeandraDOTcom]

yes girl he has that "it" that makes him look good . i just dont knw what it is exactly lol .

[bballgrlmusician]

did anyone notice but when they put their names and their characters name on the screen the put "Samantha Parker" instead of "Samantha Booke"? i though that was kind of funny!!!!!

[baylorAnderson]

This was a great movie.....and yes it is COOL TO BE SMART!!!!!!!

[lnclemente]

anyone know where nate parker appear nude in? =)

[ciara1316]

OMG I LOVE YOU NATE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AlwaysBeMyThunder21]

Nate is so good looking! they all speak so well! I love this movie

[letashae]

This movie is truly touching. It's apart of history not only because of my ethinic background but because I use to live right down the block from the school and i know others who are currently attending wiley. I can still remember when Denzel first came to east texas to produce it This movie was truly an inspiration.

[wacko8jacko]

thank God i'm from Canada...

[19770326]

jurnee is smokin hot

[lovelystars07]

I am glad to see Kimberly in a movie again and Nate Parker is so hansome - he also models for GaP for the Fall

[1simaddict1]

I just thought about it. They was in Pride together.

[Major2219]

Kimberly is Soooo Cute!!!!!!!!

[rmbb10]

Powerful movie indeed.

[alikton50]

maravillosa pelicula

[naeluvsGCH]

they are very intelligent & that movie was great =]

[kevinsingh25hotmail]

not just black people, all kinds of people

[IcyDiamonds]

How much would five dollars have been back then?

[Missjay96]

like umm 50.00 or like 30.00

[clemperry1]

This film emphasises why all Black people around the world should strive to educate and exhert themselves in every way possible. Making sure they are equipt with not only the knowledge, but the confidence to stand up strong amongst anyone they should meet. God, is the only judge! Brilliant film, brilliant actors... its inspired me to reach new heights.

Elizabeth - London UK

[india3699]

Wow! Journee Smolette grew up to be such a beautiful young woman. I remember her from full house, and a few episodes of martin. i haven't saw this movie yey, but i can't wait to watch it.

[animezelda]

alsoshe was in the movie bounce the girl with the braces :D.

[lovelystars07]

Kimberly was also in eve's bayou

[mhaze210]

1 of my favorites of 2007..and just saw it for 3rd time in theaters last week (its last showtime at the theater and was pcked!).

out of ALL the amazing movies i saw in 2007...THIS and No Country for Old Men were my favorites...close calls would be Eastern Promises, American Gangster, There Will Be Blood, Atonement, and other unforgettables.

like i said in another comment. in honor of this great film, im buying BOTH DVD versions when it comes out May 13, 2008.

[IdPissOnYourGrave]

These young people are outstanding role models.This is who young , impressionable Black kids should be looking up to and wanting to emulate not rappers and video bitches.

[hotnumber24]

I couldn't have said it better. I literally just finished watching the film and I love it.

[katrobella]

True though am not too keenon the bitches thing still am not critisizing but we gotta learn read find out insted of just complaining and yes listening to nonsensical lyrics... the film is quite an inspiraiton

[vaevae12]

i agree im 16 and i graduated high school early i want to be somebody not a hoe or anything like that im going to use my smarts to get me somewhere

[Tichi2007]

I love Nate he speaks very good and he just oozes wisdom. I think that is very attractive.

[sycochick123]

can some one tell me the books nate is naming id like to read them??!! thank you

[petithomme06]

very convinceing to me..

[riseingstuff]

I think the actors did a great job;they sound genuin, but not convinceing.

[ApplebottomAngel]

no i mean the little boy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ApplebottomAngel]

i know denzel whitakers cousin

[122624]

don't you mean Forrest Whittaker? Denzel's last name is Washington. Which is it? I'm hoping that whose cousin it is that you know is as talented as whomever.....smiles

[almodu]

No the young man who plays Farmer is named Denzel Whitaker. No relation to Forrest. However he was named after Denzel. But he is not related to either one.

[willwong]

Denzel Whittakers goes to my school

[luv2skate0]

I ♥ this movie!!!!

[Ptoras]

I am taking the affirmative in this argument. In a presidential debate, the people will choose whoever they agree with. People want someone who they can ally themselves with. Issues of race, religion, or gender are useful in communicating with people who may be a different religion, race, or gender. Getting your point out is what counts in a presidential race, and the most effective way to do that is to find a bridge, something that links both sides together.

[fabglitter]

(GD contest)

I think that the question of whether bringing up race/gender/religion is effective depends on the goal. I don't think it creates change, but it helps me see the mainstream awareness of these issues - not just in what the candidates say, but in the media's response. Candidates often reveal disturbing things when these issues come up, like when the first Bush called his grandkids "the little brown ones."

[fabglitter]

It can also give the voters something to organize around. When candidates have the opportunity to say ridiculously offensive things, it can give us a vivid example of discrimination that makes a greater immediate emotional impact than the big complex government policies people have a harder time understanding. And in a debate, we get that information before the harmful policies that might later go into place.

[Ptoras]

What's the GD contest?

[fabglitter]

From the BlackTree site: "Debate Topic: It is effective for a presidential candidate to raise issues of race and/or gender and/or religion during their campaign. Please answer in the affirmative or in the negative." The first 20 people who post a comment here taking a side in the debate can win a copy of the movie soundtrack!

[stepkestrel]

GD Contest:

I think that the institutional, white power structure is not ready to have a debate about race or gender and that such a debate would be derailed immediately.

It concerns me too that the media is so ready to declare Barack Obama's viable candidacy as proof of some kind of "post-racial" moment, where everyone is equal and racism doesn't exist. I think anti-racists should start these conversations if politicians can't.

[blacktreemedia]

(stepkestrel)  Thank you for participating

[slovakmath]

@blacktreemedia 4:55 and 5:18 what are they saying? they are saying a word I cant understand. thx

[zabbok]

@slovakmath they were saying "noose" and its plural "nooses".

[amcg82]

GD Contest:

It's not effective because most of the US lacks the sophistication to take seriously a minority who discusses race/gender/religion on the political stage, and the politicians who fall into any of these categories know it. The opposition will always be quick to point out that such a person is victimizing themself, despite the candidate's best intentions. I'm pulling for Barack, but I'm saddened to know that the US is probably more ready for a white woman as president than a Black man.

[blacktreemedia]

(amcg82) Thank you for participating

[eyesalive]

((GD Contest))

It is not helpful to debate issues of race in a presidential campaign. However, it is important to not pretend that race is a factor in life. It can be helpful to bring up the topic of race and acknowledge it, but it is a topic that must be handled with respect for both people of color and people not of color. Allowing the discussion to degenerate into a two-sided yelling match, complete with name-calling doesn't serve anyone. Running for president takes moxie.

-eyesalive

[blacktreemedia]

(eyesalive) Thank you for participating.

[Snowpum18]

Wow this movie was sad i couldnt even watch it again Jurnee is so pretty an di love her voice.

[ricmen1890]

how was it sad?

[rudebwoybrad]

GD Contest::

It's not beneficial for Sen. Obama to discuss R/P/R during his campaign.He has to appeal to White institutional power and privilege to get their votes in the nat. election. White America's wealth and privaledge is dependent on black subordination. He can run for the President of America and possible win, and then address the issues, or Be a Strong Black Leader and get Lynched in what ever modern forms it manifests itself today. -- Bradley Black, The Society of Learned Minds

[blacktreemedia]

(rudebwoybrad) Thank you for participating in the contest, I hope you enjoy your new CD. I will contact you by email with more details.

[ytany84]

Great Movie!!!.. I'm not even Black.

[buffdady007]

What the Heck is Ludacris doing interviewing them???

[ducky2710]

Thats not Luda...lol!

[KingIshaqq]

A movie of perfection- truly a gift to the viewers

[bdub24j]

Jurnee has grown to be a fine looking young woman.

[Pat8rice]

Love the cast........This is the type of movie that helps keep me motivated.....not only in college...but, also in life!

[dyvinesun]

Damn Jurnee got fine ass hell

[IamNeutral]

dyvinesun

I am sure that Jurnee would not consider your Posting a complement; however, if you were to make an observation about her on an intellectual level like most of us have, then she would consider that a complement.

As a matter of fact considering the dynamics & magnitude of this film, you wouldn't even have anything in common.

[mpowahblaques]

"Who is the judge? The judge is God...Why is he God? Because he decides who wins or loses not my opponent ...Who is your opponent ? He does not exist....Why doesn't he exist? Because he is a mere dissenting voice of the truth I speak !!"

-from The Great Debaters

[ArmaniTV]

YAAAAYYYYY U SAW THE MOVIE!!!! LOL

[MysteryGrl08]

I love that.

But my favorite quote is,

"We do what we have to do so that we can do what we want to do"

-Great Debaters

I mean I've never thought about it that way,

but that is soooo true!

I Love this movie.

It's the BEST movie of allllll time!!!!

and if you haven't seen it I strongly encourage you to go see it!...

in the movie theater, not bootleg!

[buffdady007]

"We do what we have to do so that we can do what we want to do"

I Agree with you. I brought that Quote with me. Now i have to put it in use.

[A301b]

I remeber the girl when she played in that movie call eva something i forgot. And she played in full house for a while. Then in Roll Bounce. And younger with this show call On my Own.

[southernkatt30]

ur talking about Eva's Bayou

[A301b]

correct that. It comes on sometimes

[heymaria123]

I loVE dat movie--it was gud

[TOHOLLYWOOD]

eve bayou

[Konaldinho7]

Go See the movie!!!!...Excellent. Black people need to start talking like that! and become more educated, and dignified

[kmp20128]

the gurl looks so munch like gina frm martin if u saw the movie did yall see the that sex part

[mariawhat757]

i loove the movie omg! Yall better get it Nate PArker sexy lips another sexy young VA man ! whoooooooooo!

[Anuemi]

You guys give a girl like me so much hope!

[Danyulel]

I want all of you from here on out to follow this carefully. Since these roles were obviously powerful career defining roles that should lead to even more serious and powerful oscar worthy roles, watch what happens to their careers. Let's watch and see if the young sister may have to do a 'Monster's Ball' type role in order to get more work. We know she can act, but let's see.

[esquireyes]

Danyulel

I would like to think that she will have the same work ethics as Cicely Tyson. Cicley only did "Quality" roles; a superb actress & someone to look up to & respect. I have heard (or read) that sometimes she slept on her girlfriends' floors (for lack of finances b/c she was not always offered work).

Ref to Halle

I did not see Monster's Ball & from what I heard, I have no desire to see it. I don't know why Halle did that role. I'm very disappointed in her.

[Danyulel]

Esquireyes,

I overstand you perfectly. I would hope she embrace Cicely Tyson and Angela Bassett's selection of quality roles as well, but you know Hollyweird has a way of suppressing young powerful Black actresses by starving (lack of work) them to the point that they do a Monster's Ball. I hope the young sistah is protected, and as long as Oprah keeps producing movies like this, Black actors and actresses can play roles that truly showcase their talent.

[bahabdoulaye]

Yo i just finished watching this movie, it inspired so much that i wanted to get up and do something about unjustice.

[jdadvisor]

GD Contest: Yes, I think politicians have to address issues of race, gender, and religion until they are no longer issues and we have true justice and equity in this country. Obama addresses the religion issue quite well by laying down principles for how to discuss faith in a pluralistic society, including the need for religious people to translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values during public debate.

[blacktreemedia]

(jdadvisor) Thank you for your response, you are our first winner. Thank you for playing.

[jdadvisor]

Thank you! I'm looking forward to the CD.

[esquireyes]

There were "Two" things that I did not like in the film (even though I realize that it was a film based on truths & colorized.

1. I really did not appreciate the young lady being promiscuous. After all, that would

 not have bee the case in 1935.

2. And I did not appreciate the fact that they had the black people using the N-Word.

[Danyulel]

Your number 1. I find quite interesting. Why did they have to make her promiscuous in this movie? Why promote that it didn't even fit into the story line. Could it be that we may be seeing her soon in another movie where she is in a sex scene and this is just a way to prepare you for such, like foreshadowing. You know, like Halle showing her breast in 'Swordfish' it prepared you for Monster's Ball when she did that Fck scene with Billy Bob.

[esquireyes]

Danulel

# 1. Oprah produced this movie, so I beg to differ. Oprah would have the young lady's back.

Also...

Remember Cicely Tyson. She only performed in "Quality Roles". If it wasn't Quality, then she did not do it. And as far as I know Lena Horne only did Quality Roles too, I believe.

As far as the story line is concern, it was fitted into it.

I beleive that the peomiscuous part might have been a reflection on today's society in order to possibly in an Oscar. I don't know.

[dukebirdtube]

The brief, yet purposeful role of the waiter was an effort to educate less informed viewers and remind other audience members of these discrepancies. By depicting a character who's obvious intellectual ability places him in direct contrast with his employment, the viewer is compelled to really consider the inequalities of the Jim Crow paradigm.

[esquireyes]

And your point is that there were blacks who could not get jobs that they were more than qualified for. Is that correct? Such as it being a norm for black attorneys to be Postal Carriers?

[dukebirdtube]

Exactly!

[minnielarz]

Does anyone know the significance of the waiter when they were at the hotel? There was something about him that I don't get.

[esquireyes]

minnielarz

Read what dukebirdtube said & my reply. You did pick up on the fact that something was going on with the waiter & that is a good thing.

This waiter was definitely an Educated Black Gentleman who was also very well read & could not get a job in his profession (whatever that was) only because he was black. Jim Crow era.

continue

[esquireyes]

minnielarz

continue #2

Also, even though the waiter was working in a job for which he was definitely over qualified (he had an undergraduate degree, at the very least); nevertheless, he was still very proud and supportive of these young people. He had their "Backs".

And though somewhat "sad", still it was a "beauty" to it.

[esquireyes]

minnielarz

continue

And you probably also noticed that when the black waiter gave the students the correct pronuciation, they never questioned it b/c they picked up on the fact that he was an educated men.

In other words, they never for one moment though anything like, "What would you know. You're only a servant?"

Also, by the way, did you notice that the waiter was at the debates? He was sitting on the left hand side, isle seat, of the group of blacks & mid way from the top to bottom.

[LAJCain]

These kids are very intelligent! They gave phenomenal performances. We as Black Americans JUST got rights. And so many are walking around thinking that we've made it.

We still have far to go.

[crazycoolone]

Nate Parker is a POWERHOUSE.  Mark my words! He is going to skyrocket due to this role!!!!

[esquireyes]

She referred to

1. Ida B. Wells

2. ???

3. Barbara Jordan

4.Her Mother.

I could not catch the name of the second woman that she said. Did anyone else get the name?

[Jeremyjjt615]

the 2nd one, she said Marian Wright Edelman.

[esquireyes]

Thank you

[dukebirdtube]

marian wright edelman

[esquireyes]

I am so happy for these youngsters! I really am.... Saw the movie & they were Magnificent!!!!!

[liljhonny42]

oh yeah i saw that movie today it was good the 5 dollars was about they went to harvard and stayed in a hotel or wat eva and i dont know where the 5 bucks came from

[crazycoolone]

Per diem. It's Latin meaning per day. When an artist or talent leaves their local area, they are paid a day rate, per diem, for the inconvenience of being away from their hometown. All actors, musicians, performers, etc. receive this in their rider agreement. I hope this educated you a bit.

[1993milaj]

nate parker is so damn fine to me i remember him when he played in pride with terrence howard and yes he is a hoty with a body......and i totally agree with Danyulel we did learned all this stuff from "white"people i mean you people thought us how to hate another judge people everthing and another thing ever black person isn't a nigger either nigger means ingorant people with no sence or black people who do stupid things like fighting in public places.....ireally didn't mean to preach

[esquireyes]

1993

He reminds me of a "Young" Danzel Washington. Oh! You better believe that he is going "Places" with his "Smoothe Self"

[playboyadonis]

Looks like it will be a good movie. I wonder what the catch is though cause I want to know more about why he patted his pocket when they were discussing the $5.

[23JRider]

he patted his pocket to show that he already had found his and had put it there to show Henry...wasn't anything deep

[playboyadonis]

LOL...I always take things to the next level, sorry but I guess I always expect that there is some drama going on...LOL

[Danyulel]

One more thing. You said "But DESTROYING Detroit, Watts, LA etc is a riot."

Well, okay it's a riot, but White folk murdering women, children, elderly, the sick, babies, as wells as destroying their vibrate Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Black Wall Street, was not a riot it was TERRORISTIC-MASSACRE. You make is seem as if Black folk invented riots. No. Black folk learned it from your people. Damn.

[Danyulel]

BigDaddy1968

Good. Boy. I applaud you. Yes, Willie Lynch was fictional, but is the Syndrome of which it touches on fictional? No. Who cares about Willie Lynch the fiction, Racism White Supremacy and the continual attempts to push Black inferiority on the minds of the World is not fictional. I see you Oprah. Do your thang, girl. You're right again. Dragging a black man behind a truck is not lynching, its TERRORISM!!!! BIG DADDY DUMMY

[harlemmoney]

I would like to be at the premier let me know how i can be winner. Mike Green Hugs For Harlem

[faithingodalways]

I need to watch this movie!

I really can reflect on it and learn.

It really is grest to be smart. Being ignorant so you won't look "white" is absurd. People should be themselves regardless of what anyone thinks of them.

This movie demonstrates that even with all the hate that was going on back then, there were powerful people who stood up for what they believed. Through this movie are many inspirations involved. I hope it does well.

[chelseaola]

well the whites were powerful people too and they stood up for what they believed in, but they were misguided and ignorant. you are right, there many inspirations in this movie for the good of our people, no matter what race we are. Society SHOULD change so that one day being "smart" will be the cool thing to be...rather than the "jock" or the "beauty".... peace.

[Danyulel]

Chelseaola, let's be real about this. This movie is not about Whites. It is about people whom Whites classify as Black (Negative, Evil, Sullen). We Black people need this movie, we need movies like Pursuit of Happyness, Akeela and the Bee, etc. White people have more than enough positive images to combat any destructive negative force. 85% or more of the rap music is bought by White youth, but 98% of the negative affects that rap music produces on the mind, reflects more in Black youth.

[shikorinagirl]

Thank you Danyuel.

[BigDaddy1968]

Oh and by the way, this Willie Lynch story spoken of in the movie is a HOAX.

An internet hoax to boot.

Big Daddy

[BigDaddy1968]

Nooses. NOT noosessess.

lol!

Dragging behind a truck is NOT lynching.

But DESTROYING Detroit, Watts, LA etc is a riot.

[MizzJacquettaTownsen]

I Like To see jurnee in interview and much!!!

And I wait too see new movie too i so happy!!!!