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42

Play trailer Poster for 42 PG-13 Released Apr 12, 2013 2h 8m Biography History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 193 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.
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Critics Consensus

42 is an earnest, inspirational, and respectfully told biography of an influential American sports icon, though it might be a little too safe and old-fashioned for some.

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Critics Reviews

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Dwight Brown National Newspaper Publishers Association This honorable and enlightening film pays due respect to Jackie Robinson -- a sports legend and courageous American hero. Mar 7, 2017 Full Review Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle A dramatization of what Robinson did and what it required, 42 will not disappoint. Rated: 3/4 May 7, 2014 Full Review Mary F. Pols TIME Magazine It's not easy to play a stoic, but Boseman anchors the movie, and when he smiles, 42, already such a warm story of such cold times, gets even brighter. May 7, 2014 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Yes, it has its forgivable offenses of oversimplification, sunny optimism, Disney-like gloss, and convenient revision, but the film succeeds in its primary goal to inspire the viewer. Rated: 4/5 Oct 13, 2024 Full Review JD Duran InSession Film The rest of the supporting cast, including Nicole Beharie who plays Mrs. Robinson, is pretty bad and struggle to deliver quality lines. Rated: C+ Aug 23, 2024 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies While it’s not a perfect film, it’s yet another example of how this great sport is fertile ground for quality storytelling. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 20, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Les N Appreciate the movie...but why aren't racists hung out to dry like any criminal? Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Petro B Amazing sports film, baseball scenes are awesome, story is also great Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Audience Member I can't believe Rotten Tomatoes gave this a high rating. It was schmaltzy from beginning to end. What kind of critics would give it a glowing review. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/25/25 Full Review Matthew C Inspirational and Impactful story about Jackie Robinson's MLB carrier joining the Brooklyn Dodgers told in a film that the performances from actors like Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford really brought out a feeling that another movie can't replicate. It's an amazing story about segregation and how Jackie fought back against it and I couldn't think of a better actor than Chadwick Boseman to play the role. (RIP) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/25/25 Full Review David F With wonderful period detail and a great soundtrack, this film tells the story of the integration of major league baseball in the 1940s. It’s the kind of movie you’d watch in American History class in High School, yes, but very well done. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Brian H Boseman is wonderful and makes the movie. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Brian Helgeland

Director

Chadwick Boseman

Jackie Robinson

Harrison Ford

Branch Rickey

Nicole Beharie

Rachel Robinson

Christopher Meloni

Leo Durocher

Ryan Merriman

Dixie Walker

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42

Toby Huss as Clyde Sukeforth in "42." Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in "42." Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson in "42." Chadwick Boseman (center) as Jackie Robinson in "42." (L-R) Brett Cullen as Clay Hopper, Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey in "42." Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in "42." A scene from "42." (L-R) Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey and T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott in "42." T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott in "42." (L-R) Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey and T.R. Knight as Harold Parrott in "42." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.
Director
Brian Helgeland
Producer
Thomas Tull
Screenwriter
Brian Helgeland
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Legendary Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre
Biography, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 12, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 3, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$95.1M
Runtime
2h 8m
Sound Mix
Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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