Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Chadwick Boseman | ... | Jackie Robinson | |
Harrison Ford | ... | Branch Rickey | |
Nicole Beharie | ... | Rachel Robinson | |
Christopher Meloni | ... | Leo Durocher | |
Ryan Merriman | ... | Dixie Walker | |
Lucas Black | ... | Pee Wee Reese | |
André Holland | ... | Wendell Smith (as Andre Holland) | |
Alan Tudyk | ... | Ben Chapman | |
Hamish Linklater | ... | Ralph Branca | |
T.R. Knight | ... | Harold Parrott | |
John C. McGinley | ... | Red Barber | |
Toby Huss | ... | Clyde Sukeforth | |
Max Gail | ... | Burt Shotton | |
Brad Beyer | ... | Kirby Higbe | |
James Pickens Jr. | ... | Mr. Brock |
In 1946, Jackie Robinson is a Negro League baseball player who never takes racism lying down. Branch Rickey is a Major League team executive with a bold idea. To that end, Rickey recruits Robinson to break the unspoken color line as the first modern African American Major League player. As both anticipate, this proves a major challenge for Robinson and his family as they endure unrelenting racist hostility on and off the field, from player and fan alike. As Jackie struggles against his nature to endure such abuse without complaint, he finds allies and hope where he least expects it. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
You probably think this film is completely focused on the story of Jackie Robinson. That is definitely not the case, as this film finds balance between the story of Robinson, baseball, and segregation. And this film succeeds in depicting all three aspects to bring a powerful, heartwarming, humorous film. The casting is great. Every actor fits his or her character perfectly. Harrison Ford does an amazing job portraying his character with his no- nonsense humorous attitude. He has a good chance of grabbing an academy award nomination for this roll. This is one of those movies that takes you for an emotional thrill ride. You feel for the Robinson. You want him to win. And you rejoice when he does. So sit back and let the film drag you in; it's worth your time.