Great Debaters, The

When African-American poet Mel Tolson (Denzel Washington, who also directs) creates a debate team at historically black Wiley College, he pushes the team to a level of excellence that allows them to challenge powerhouse Harvard in 1935. But despite public success, personal clashes foment as the father (Forest Whitaker) of one of Tolson's students resents his son's loyalty to his coach. Denzel Whitaker co-stars in this drama based on a true story.