42 2013
"In a game divided by color, he made us see greatness."
Set against the gritty backdrop of post-war America, *42 (2013)* dramatizes Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey as the first Black athlete to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947.
Director: Brian Helgeland
Cast
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
Alan Tudyk
Ben Chapman
Hamish Linklater
Ralph Branca
T. R. Knight
Harold Parrott
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 42 (2013) about?
*42 (2013)* tells the inspiring true story of Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing athlete who shattered baseball's color barrier in 1947. Facing relentless racism from fans, players, and even his own teammates, Robinson's quiet determination and extraordinary talent challenged an entire league—and ultimately changed the game forever.
Who directed 42?
Brian Helgeland directed *42 (2013)*, bringing a sharp eye for historical drama and a deep understanding of the tensions at the heart of the story.
Who stars in 42?
The film features Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson, with Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson, and Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher.
Is 42 (2013) worth watching?
*42 (2013)* is a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and sports films alike. Chadwick Boseman's transformative performance and the film's gripping portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history make it both educational and emotionally resonant.
How long is 42?
The runtime for *42 (2013)* is 128 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About 42 (2013) — Jackie Robinson's Courageous Breakthrough in Major League Baseball
Set against the gritty backdrop of post-war America, *42 (2013)* dramatizes Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking journey as the first Black athlete to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. Directed with understated intensity by Brian Helgeland, this powerful drama follows Robinson—brilliantly portrayed by Chadwick Boseman—as he defies entrenched racism not just from opponents and fans, but from teammates and managers who doubted his place in the game. The film crackles with tension, balancing moments of triumph with raw hostility, as Robinson's quiet resilience and unshakable talent force a nation—and a sport—to confront its own contradictions. Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Branch Rickey, the visionary Dodgers executive who bet everything on Robinson's character.
With its historical weight and emotional depth, *42 (2013)* transcends sports cinema, becoming a testament to courage, perseverance, and the fight for equality. Boseman's electrifying debut as Robinson anchors a story that's as much about principle as it is about baseball, capturing the era's palpable hostility while celebrating one man's legacy as a symbol of change.
