Plot: This is the story of the first African-American to break baseball’s ‘colour barrier’. Jackie Robinson signed for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 under the vision of team executive Branch Rickey, who saw the potential of the young second baseman.
Robinson had to deal with racist abuse from fans, media and fellow players but famously stuck at it and led the Dodgers to the World Series. The film paints a portrait of the racial divide in America at the time and shows how Robinson’s determination contributed significantly to the civil rights movement.
The story is one that interest anyone, not just baseball fans, due to its historical context and the strength of the human mind shown by Robinson throughout.
What the critics said: “Boseman hits his key scenes out of the park, making a swell couple with Shame’s Nicole Beharie, while Helgeland stages Robinson’s signature base-stealing with undeniable aplomb.” (Mike McCahill, The Guardian).
Random quote: “I don’t care if they like me. I didn’t come here to make friends. I don’t even care if they respect me. I know who I am. I’ve got enough respect for myself. I do not want them to beat me.”
You can watch the movie in full on iTunes or on YouTube for a fee of €9.99.
Sports Film of the Week: 42
Title: 42
Released: 2013
Director: Brian Helgeland
Plot: This is the story of the first African-American to break baseball’s ‘colour barrier’. Jackie Robinson signed for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 under the vision of team executive Branch Rickey, who saw the potential of the young second baseman.
Robinson had to deal with racist abuse from fans, media and fellow players but famously stuck at it and led the Dodgers to the World Series. The film paints a portrait of the racial divide in America at the time and shows how Robinson’s determination contributed significantly to the civil rights movement.
The story is one that interest anyone, not just baseball fans, due to its historical context and the strength of the human mind shown by Robinson throughout.
What the critics said: “Boseman hits his key scenes out of the park, making a swell couple with Shame’s Nicole Beharie, while Helgeland stages Robinson’s signature base-stealing with undeniable aplomb.” (Mike McCahill, The Guardian).
Random quote: “I don’t care if they like me. I didn’t come here to make friends. I don’t even care if they respect me. I know who I am. I’ve got enough respect for myself. I do not want them to beat me.”
You can watch the movie in full on iTunes or on YouTube for a fee of €9.99.
See more of our Sports Film of the Week here>
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