There are some moments in history that had such an impact on the future that they must be retold through film to people in the present.
The monumental events of the past shape our social views in the future.
Elements in our society, such as war, politics, art, or music, have all contributed to how people view society throughout history.
One element that has come to have an immeasurable impact is sports but more specifically baseball.
In the United States baseball has been considered America’s pastime since the late 1800s, and players such as Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Joe DiMaggio were regarded as heroes.
The game was thought to be so perfect that not a thing about it should be changed, including absolutely no integration of African American players.
Unfortunately after World War II was over, professional baseball players and pundits thought it would be a terrible idea to let African Americans play with Caucasians in the same league on the same teams.
One bold man was chosen to break the racial barrier, and when he did, it was like a sonic boom rang out throughout the country.
On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson took a few small steps on to the field in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform but took one giant leap for humanity in America.
The film 42 tells the incredible true story of how Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play on a team in Major League Baseball and the trials and tribulations he went through almost every day because of racism.
The man selected to play this groundbreaking titan was Chadwick Boseman, and he did a phenomenal job.
He gave his best efforts in making the audience believe they were actually watching Robinson’s pain and triumph up close and in person.
The movie also starred Harrison Ford playing Branch Rickey, the old stubborn team executive of the Brooklyn Dodgers that would not let people talk him out of giving Robinson a chance.
Ford was perfect for this part even though people think of him as the action-adventure hero we have seen play Indiana Jones and Han Solo.
Ford definitely played a hero in his movie as his character pretty much proved almost a whole nation wrong by showing that it does not matter what color a person’s skin is but how much talent and skill he has to help a team win.
He gave a remarkable and entertaining show stealing performance that will make people remember this story even more.
The people that created the film 42 did a great job of accurately portraying Jackie Robinson’s story.
They showed how Robinson faced doubters and ignorant racism at practically every turn but did not give up.
The movie reflects the importance of looking past somebody’s skin color and ethnicity because everybody at the end of the day just wants a fair shot to prove who they are and what they got.
Jackie Robinson was able to get so many people just a fair shot where they were no longer judged by just race.
42 reminds the viewers that it can take a whole a lot of guts to achieve glory and that is exactly what people like Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey had.
Everybody should go see this amazing film because it was a turning point in America as the film takes you back to witness what Jackie Robinson started and why he has a grand legacy in the pantheon of not just sports but American society.
Damone Griffin
Features Contributor
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