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Health & Fitness

MOVIE REVIEW: 42

42 is a powerful and gripping movie that tells the story of how Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier for sports in the United States just a mere 66 years ago.

Branch Rickey will forever be known as the man who took a chance; some would argue that he took the biggest chance of his life and career when he decided to bring the first African American baseball player to the Major Leagues. Without the fearlessness and belief in equality that radiated from this man, the world of sports would undoubtedly be different today.

This film chronicals the rise of Jackie Robinson to the highest ranks of professional baseball in the 1940's, a time where Jim Crow laws ran rampant. Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford) aimed to break the segragation in sports by signing a black player, that player was Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman)

The film is true to the times and doesnt pull any punches. The issue of racism is ever present in almost every scene, however this is rightfully and importantly so. Robinson's achievement as being the first black player in baseball did not come with a path paved with gold, it was in fact, quite the opposite.

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Being heckled, chanted at, both while playing and traveling with his team, being denied entrance to hotels, teams even willing to foreit games just because of the color of his skin; all of these things are portrayed in the film and the viewer is given a great sense of just what Jackie went through during his time.

The acting in this film is phenomenal, the realness of the events and the times really come through the screen as you watch. There are a few tear jerking and heart wrenching moments throughout, but the film over all sends a wonerful message.

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Jackie's fight, and his struggles, show just how he paved the way for others, the things he endured, he did so, not only to prove he belonged, but so players of not only black heritage but those from across the globbe could play and be treated fairly and with respect.

In today's game we see players form all walks of life, our favorite players are our favorite players because of their skill, not because of where they are from or the color of their skin. Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey, changed an entire game through perserverance, patience and determination.

This film is most definitely worth watching, even if you know little or nothing about baseball itself. This is much more than a sports film, its simply a film that tells a story that needs to be heard. The strong and lasting message this film delivers in undeniable.

I give it 4.5 stars our of 5.

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