"42" movie review

I watched the movie 42 yesterday. It's about the career of Jackie Robinson, the first African American baseball player to play in the major leagues. The film looks at how Jackie Robinson was treated by the media, opponents, and even teammates. It looks at the motives of the Dodgers owner, Wesley Branch Rickey, who first had the idea to bring a black player into Major League Baseball. It also shows some of the changing attitudes of people as the story progresses.

I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good story about the history of racism in the United States, particularly in the Democrat-controlled South during the Jim Crow era. This film explores the realities of what black Americans had to endure for about a century after the Civil War. But it is also a story of inspiration. It not only shows the importance of standing up for what's right but the right way to do it. There are times in the movie when Jackie Robinson wishes to lash out in anger at the people who are exercising prejudice against him because of his skin color, but he does not respond in kind. He does not react violently, even though there are times where he desires to do so. Instead, he puts into practice the words of Jesus and the words of scripture. Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40). Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

These principles are the right way to handle things when we are persecuted or done wrongly. Where there are legitimate grievances about race or how people are treated in certain circumstances, the principles in this film shows the reasonable way to deal with those injustices on the individual level. Love does not destroy property, livelihoods or hurt and murder innocent people. It responds in nonviolent ways, maintaining peace as much as possible (Romans 12:18), and succeeds through triumphing over obstacles and the odds, no matter how much the deck is stacked against the person.

I also like how this movie shows the possible redemption even to those who have previously done wrong. As I said above, there are several times in this movie where people start out with a prejudiced attitude toward Jackie Robinson and either don't want to play on the same field he is as an opponent or even be his teammate in some cases. Yet, some of these same people, over time, change their attitude. Some say, "People never change." I say, and the Bible says, "Everyone can change." Do all people change? No. Is it possible for them all to change? I would say, "Yes!" This movie does an excellent job of showing that it can happen. I would only add to that this: Actual, lasting change only comes from the inside out, not through behavior modification. True, inside-out transformation only comes through Jesus Christ. I am glad for the faith references in the movie. It does not shy away from talking about God or his principles and commands for living. There is also some blasphemy in the film, not a lot, but some. But overall, I think this movie has a lot more good than bad in it and can teach many valuable principles, especially given where we have put ourselves unnecessarily as a nation.