Denzel Washington Honors Jackie Robinson’s ‘Supreme Talent and Unshakable Character’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Denzel Washington celebrated iconic baseball player Jackie Robinson’s life at the MLB All-Star Game, giving a speech at Dodger Stadium.
Washington commemorated Robinson’s major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, ending segregation in baseball “with supreme talent and unshakable character.”
“He changed the game of baseball and so much more. What he carried with him, what he represented, was towering,” Washington continued. “Beyond the field, Jackie Robinson challenged us to become better versions of ourselves: business leader, family man, activist, Hall of Famer.
“[Jackie Robinson] said that life is not a spectator sport, and he lived that motto to the fullest,” the actor concluded. “Whether it was charging down the baselines or standing tall for opportunity and justice, number 42 blazed a trail that would light the way for people of every walk of life and every color. And to this very day — every generation — that inspiration, that profound impact looms just as large today as it did 75 years ago.”
Hollywood told the story of Robinson’s life in 42, which received many Movieguide® Award nominations, including an Epiphany Prize® for MOST INSPIRING MOVIE OF 2013 and a Grace Award® for Harrison’s performance in the movie.
Movieguide®’s review of 42 reads:
42 tells what happens when the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team signed the first black player in the Major Leagues, Jackie Robinson, in 1947. Led by his Christian faith and the prospect of more money, Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey has long wanted to hire a black baseball player, but he wants “the right man.” Jackie Robinson just may be that person. Jackie marries his girlfriend and heads to Florida to practice with a minor league team of the Dodgers. After months of Jackie helping the team win, Rickey decides to take the leap and sign Jackie with the Dodgers. In the midst of death threats and harsh words, Jackie pushes on for the greater good.
42 is a wonderful, inspiring movie with a lot of overt Christian faith. Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson are blatant about their faith in God. Their faith inspires them to take on a huge challenge. Jackie’s marriage is portrayed as strong and moral. Adultery is demeaned, and prayer is extolled. There is, however, some foul language and many racial epithets, so caution is advised, especially for children.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
