Jackie Robinson was a professional baseball player who is now considered an icon for racial integration in American sports. The biographical sports movie 42, released in 2013, tells the story of Jackie becoming the first black man to play Major League Baseball. It follows his journey as he faces discrimination and prejudice while trying to prove himself as a capable player. The movie shows how Jackie Robinson used his strength and courage to break through barriers and become one of the most important figures in baseball history.
The film follows the Robinson family as they move from their hometown of Pasadena to Brooklyn, where Jackie begins his stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie in a stunning performance that captures both his grace and power. His uncanny resemblance to Robinson makes it easy for viewers to feel like they’re actually watching him play. The Pittsburgh Pirates are also featured and do a magnificent job at recreating the home run Robinson hit on April 15, 1947. All performances combined make this film an unforgettable experience for any baseball fan or anyone interested in learning about civil rights history.
Jackie Robinson’s story is a remarkable one and the film does a great job of portraying it. The movie starts with Jackie Robinson being denied entry to a church service in Georgia due to his skin color. After much pleading, the attendant relents and allows him entry, but only in second class seating. Later on, Jackie visits a gas station where he is refused service by a black panther who has insider information about his teammates. All these experiences shape Jackie’s life and motivate him to be the best he can be despite his circumstances as an African American in the 1940s. Watch 42 to learn more about this inspiring story!