Lead by Chadwick Boseman and award-winning actor Harrison Ford, the film “42” captures audiences with compelling baseball scenes and drama. Not only does it reflect Jackie Robinson’s career, the movie also acknowledges and appreciates the legacy of the first African-American major leaguer in American society.
Directed by Brian Helgeland, “42” tells the story of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) and his history with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the ownership of Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford). Although facing constant racial abuse from the crowd, players, and even his own teammates, Robinson controls his temper with the help of Rickey and Manager Leo Durocher (Christopher Meloni) and carries the Dodgers to clinch the National League Pennant in 1947.
Throughout the movie, Boseman effectively depicts Robinson’s spirit and silent resilience against discrimination. Not only did Boseman show competent acting at the plate and on the field, he portrayed the inspiring character of Robinson. Complemented by Ford’s performance as the team’s executive and Robinson’s mentor, the actors appropriately illustrated the two men who deserve to be never forgotten.
“42,” an exhilarating sports film with dramatics, also proved itself an accurate representation of America’s past. Based on a true story, it naturally explains the notion of racism against African-Americans during the 1940’s and Robinson’s steps to becoming not just a great ballplayer but leaping the color line in and outside of sports.
Free of any misinterpretation, “42” properly collaborates an entertaining movie with authenticity to educate and inspire kids and adults. Providing precise information, “42” teaches children a piece of American history throughout the movie and also inspires young athletes to reflect on Robinson’s legacy on and off the field.
An engaging film for all ages, “42” respects the game of baseball and, above all, Robinson’s mission to motivate African-American athletes to leap the boundaries of discrimination. It takes the perspective on the sport of baseball to a new level and proves itself one of the best sports films in years to come.
