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Review

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

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. Relative 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.

How to watch

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Credits

Cast

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Jackie RobinsonChadwick Boseman
Branch RickeyHarrison Ford
Rachel RobinsonNicole Beharie
Leo DurocherChristopher Meloni
Wendell SmithAndre Holland
Pee Wee ReeseLucas Black
Ralph BrancaHamish Linklater
Ben ChapmanAlan Tudyk
Red BarberJohn C McGinley
Dixie WalkerRyan Merriman
Harold ParrottT R Knight
Clay HooperBrett Cullen

Crew

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DirectorBrian Helgeland

Details

Theatrical distributor
Warner Bros
Released on
2013-09-13
Languages
English
Available on
DVD
Formats
Colour
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