Posted by Tina
I went to see the movie “42” today thinking that I was going to see the Jackie Robinson story. It was that and so much more. All of the elements I would expect to see in a movie about the first black player to play in the majors were present, Branch Rickey, the man who initially chose to bring Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, the resistance of team members, the other teams, the coaches the fans, the racism and danger of the times. But it also brilliantly included the full spectrum of human emotions involved in the everyday struggles that people living in those times experienced. In the end I was left with the realization that what I have always believed is absolutely true. Human beings, left to work things out on their own do struggle and fight, but they work things out. Real and lasting change happens when individuals stick their necks out, reach for something greater than themselves and hang tough when the fireworks start. Real transformation happens when people remain strong within and yet are able to humble themselves to carry the necessary burdens that naturally fall on their shoulders. Jackie Robinson’s trials and victory are at the center of this story but he shares the spotlight with his wife and child, the black community, the white community, Branch Rickey and his staff, religious faith, boys and girls of all ages who were inspired by his playing and his dignity, the sportswriters and fans…and of course, America, founded on the notion of freedom for all.
One of the more riveting scenes in “42” involves racist heckling by the coach of the Philadelphia Phillies, Ben Chapman, as Robinson is at bat. Another involves a child in the stands whose father is yelling racial slurs and booing at Robinson. He doesn’t speak but his face is quite revealing. In another touching scene, Pee Wee Reece shares a touching moment on the field of play.
While no movie can adequately portray the many days of grinding grief that Robinson endured, the slow transition of the people involved and the depth of everyone’s emotions, this movie manages to hit the mark again and again to give the audience a taste of the times and our shared history. Over the course of 128 minutes “42” succeeds brilliantly in portraying both the difficulties and the victories that played out as America began to resolve its prejudices.
Struggle and triumph are the stuff of everyday life. Challenges may differ in intensity and depth but we are all people attempting to climb that mountain to realize our better selves and find out who we are.
The Jackie Robinson story is a personal story about one brave man but it is also a wonderful American story of good triumphing over evil. Through toughness, bravery, frustration, anger, laughter, faith and tears this is a story that touched many lives back in 1947 and it’s a story that touched many lives for years thereafter. Forty-five years later it’s a story that will continue to heal…if we’ll let it.
Great work by all involved! I hope you get a chance to see, “42”…and take your kids!