Resolved
Resolved
PG-13 | 01 January 2007 (USA)
Resolved Trailers

The fascinating complexity of high school debate gives way to a portrait of the equally complex racial and class bias of American education in Greg Whiteley's riveting documentary.

Reviews
Nonureva Really Surprised!
Holstra Boring, long, and too preachy.
Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation
PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Jackie L. What an incredibly fascinating documentary. I'm in high school debate at a school much like the ones shown- yes, we're in Texas- and the story shown is scarily accurate. It's more than entertaining to see the more unusual aspects of debate highlighted, like foot-tapping and spreading.For those who oppose spreading, that's understandable, but in many ways, it's necessary. Debaters are always told to decide for themselves how they should present their case, depending on the type of judge they have. In a round in which everyone can understand each other, a fast pace simply means more arguments and evidence. It definitely isn't ideal for the average person to comprehend, but as for training speech and eloquence, it is more helpful than imaginable. You have no idea how concise and clear your arguments and everyday speaking becomes after training to speak coherently at hundreds of words per minute. Also, you gain a well-developed sense of self-being and confidence from speaking on issues that are very much applicable to the real world.However, I very much agree with the kids from the urban league, because debate nowadays is focused far too much on the structure of debate- topicality, etc.- which only detract from the true debate. It's less of an argument on theories and morals and more of an argument of if the other team follows the rules or not. Ridiculous impacts are named to win rounds, and the experience strays from true intellectual discussion. If there is anything I could change about debate, it would be the easy ways out; using cheap tricks to win rounds and avoid ideological debate does NOT mean that you are a good debater.Either way, this movie is fantastic, and it's easily watched. For those who think debate is boring, check this out and think again. :]
chillzkid Richard and Louis were awesome! A must watch movie if you are a documentary fan.Debates should be about meaning not words!Thought the social message of the movie was great, and every educator and school should watch this documentary.It made me feel ashamed of the establishment. Also I cannot believe people actually do the meaningless speed talking.Maybe they should stretch the time period beyond 3minutes if kids have to talk that fast.Feels like an auction house.Debates should be about Meaning. And outsmarting your opponent, not just about out talking them.
poanews A few years ago, while Mr. Whiteley was shooting for my husband in Portland, Oregon, we asked him what projects he was developing. He excitedly told us about Resolved and its concept. This was an idea he had working for quite some time. New York Doll had yet to be conceived. Jim is way off with his inflammatory remark that Mr. Whiteley is a THIEF. The time frame makes that impossible. New York Doll and Resolved are both unique, brilliant accomplishments. Mr. Whiteley has incredible talent, finds passion in the otherwise mundane. An old, washed out rock star brings tears to my eyes. Debate ... well would you ever? And, would I ever go to see another film about debate? Well, now I would. Please, Jim, proudly continue with your project as I, for one, welcome films aimed for the above 90 IQ.
jkbybee After viewing (and buying) Greg Whiteley's first film - New York Doll, I was eager to see his newest project. However, never having been involved in debate myself, and never really seeing the draw of it, I was a little uncertain of how much I'd truly like the film. Once I saw the first trailer for the film, I was even more uncertain. Seriously - who talks like that?! And who can understand them??! If this was the whole movie, I might well be lost. I decided to give the film a chance, though, since I wasn't a fan of rock music and had never heard of the New York Dolls before I saw New York Doll, but I fell in love with that story. I decided to trust Mr. Whiteley, and I'm glad I did. There's a reason this film won the Audience Choice award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. You truly grow to care about the students in this story, and want them to be successful in this most competitive of worlds. When you get the chance (hopefully this film is picked up for distribution soon and we can all see it in the theatre), GO SEE THIS FILM. You'll be happy you did.