Tag: Forest Whitaker

  • Platoon (1986)

    Oliver Stone is not known for timidity of vision, and in Platoon, the often-controversial filmmaker doesn’t hold back. Having been a 21-year-old infantryman during the Vietnam War, Stone synthesized that life-changing experience into his 1986 masterpiece that would go on to earn Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director.  Platoon, in my estimation, is easily…

  • The Great Debaters (2007)

    Among the many intellectual exercises connected to competitive debate is the ability to defend stances that, at first blush, might seem indefensible. I know; I debated in high school and remember many a contest assailing the evils of seatbelts and motorcycle helmets. Judging by The Great Debaters, however, you wouldn’t think that debate requires much…