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42
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42
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- 2013
- Brian Helgeland
- 122 mins
- 12A
Summary
Biopic of baseball star Jackie Robinson, who became the first black player for a major league side when he was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Both Robinson and the team's manager faced public condemnation and racial prejudice, which he sought to silence by winning over the fans with his sporting prowess. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford and Nicole Beharie.
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Review
A star rating of 2 out of 5.
Dave Aldridge
The title here refers to the shirt number worn by US baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who, in 1947, became the first African-American to be plucked from the "Negro League" and signed to an all-white Major League team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. His signing sparked appalling racism, both on and off the field. A then relatively unknown Chadwick Boseman plays Robinson, but it's Harrison Ford who draws the eye as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers' grizzled team executive who sees dollar signs at the prospect of the big Black crowds he believes Robinson will bring in. Equally, though, Rickey must withstand the racist abuse that rains down as a result of his decision to sign the player. Directed by Brian Helgeland, this is a sweeping, solid biopic that's nicely acted and evocative of its time, place and prejudice. At the same time, the film, subtitled "The true story of an American legend", is just that: very American, meaning there's less to excite viewers who aren't so familiar with the sport.
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7.5/10
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Credits
Cast
rolenameJackie RobinsonChadwick BosemanBranch RickeyHarrison FordRachel RobinsonNicole BeharieLeo DurocherChristopher MeloniWendell SmithAndre HollandPee Wee ReeseLucas BlackRalph BrancaHamish LinklaterBen ChapmanAlan TudykRed BarberJohn C McGinleyDixie WalkerRyan MerrimanHarold ParrottT R KnightClay HooperBrett Cullen
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Crew
rolenameDirectorBrian Helgeland
Details
Theatrical distributor
Warner Bros
Released on
2013-09-13
Languages
English
Available on
DVD
Formats
Colour
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