Listen to Me

Listen to Me is a 1989 drama film directed by Douglas Day Stewart and starring Kirk Cameron, Jami Gertz, and Roy Scheider. The movie centers around a group of college debaters who are preparing for a national competition. The students, who come from diverse backgrounds, have different views on a range of topics, including abortion and the death penalty. The film addresses their emotional journeys and how they evolve throughout the course of the competition.

The movie starts with the introduction of a new team member, Alex (Kirk Cameron), who joins the college debate team. Alex is a conservative Christian who believes that life begins at conception and is strictly against abortion. The team is led by Skip (Roy Scheider), a former champion debater who is now a professor. Skip is a liberal who disagrees with Alex's views and stereotypes him as a narrow-minded Christian who doesn't understand the complexities of the issue.

The team is preparing for the National Debating Championships, where they will compete against other college debate teams from around the country. Their preparation involves a lot of hard work and long hours of practice. However, the team is not just working on their debates; they are also dealing with personal issues that affect how they approach the competition.

For example, Alex's beliefs are tested when he meets a student who has undergone an illegal abortion. He begins to question the morality of his beliefs and whether he can defend them in a debate. Meanwhile, Skip, who is going through a personal crisis, has to confront his own prejudices and learn to respect Alex's viewpoints.

The other team members have their own battles to fight. Monica (Jami Gertz) is a street-smart girl from Brooklyn who has a strained relationship with her wealthy father. She is preparing for the debate competition while juggling a part-time job to support herself. Beal (John Stockwell) is a charismatic rebel who uses his wit and charm to win debates but is hiding a dark secret that could affect the team's chances.

The film deals with themes of personal growth, moral values, and the role of communication in resolving conflicts. It shows how debates are not just about winning or losing but about understanding the other person's viewpoint and communicating effectively. The movie illustrates how debating can be a powerful tool for bringing diverse people together and finding common ground despite their differences.

Listen to Me is a well-acted and thought-provoking movie that touches on many relevant issues, such as abortion, the death penalty, and the influence of wealth on family dynamics. The film's strength lies in its ability to show the complexity of these issues without taking sides. Instead, it encourages discussion and healthy debate, highlighting the importance of listening to others and respecting their views.

Overall, Listen to Me is a movie that will appeal to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking dramas. While it may not be the most action-packed or suspenseful movie, its focus on the intricacies of debate and the human element behind it makes it a unique and engaging film.