Going into the movie, most people will think that “42” only tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball. But what they will find out by the time the end credits roll is that the film really tells the story of how one “negro” baseball player entering the major leagues in 1947 helped to set the stage for the civil rights movement some 20 years later. Full of heart and compassion, “42” examines the soul of the nation. Still firmly entrenched with Jim Crow laws, segregation and open racism, the people of this country started to see, through baseball, the value in every human being, regardless of race.
Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson) portrayed Robinson in a very dignified manner. His delivery of the character showed the audience the courage, fortitude and patience that Robinson displayed throughout his life and career, but especially his rookie season. Robinson’s love for baseball was only outweighed by his love for his wife Rachel Robinson, so compellingly played by Nicole Beharie. Mrs. Robinson stood as a rock for her husband and helped him to stay focused on being the best baseball player he could be, despite the negativity he was forced to endure on a daily basis.
The surprise character for me was Dodgers owner Branch Richey, played by Harrison Ford. For me, the relationship between Robinson and Branch was the key to Robinson’s success. Branch’s forthrightness with Robinson created a bond of trust between the two men which aided Robinson in withstanding all of the turmoil of the era. And when the audience finds out the whole reason Branch was so eager to integrate major league baseball, it all makes sense that he chose Jackie Robinson as the player to be the first.
The final element that made this movie so captivating is that it made sure to show the good, the bad and the ugly truths of institutionalized racism right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. There were scenes that made me cringe as I watched and thought to myself, “My grandmother told me about stuff like this” realizing that it wasn’t that long ago. Nevertheless, I walked away from the film feeling good about humanity knowing that with patience, fortitude, courage and a righteous cause, society can and will change for the better.
