42

PART ONE:

 42 is a 2013 film that follows the heroic path of American legend Jackie Robinson.  This movie not only follows the path of this great man- but also that of Branch Rickey.  Just like every other American (hopefully) I've known about Jackie Robinson for as long as I can remember.  However, I really didn't know anything about him other than the fact that he was African-American and he was an important baseball player.  This movie was the first door I opened to information on Jackie Robinson and his life story.  This definitely isn't a movie that I would watch twice but needless to say I found it entertaining and- unlike some other movies we have watched- didn't dread watching it.  I like that this film showed you a side to Jackie that most people- or at least I - didn't know about.  For example, there was a strong emphasis on his personality and quick temper.  Personally, I couldn't care less about sports- and baseball in particular- but this film was quite interesting and had a smooth and entertaining story line.  However, despite it being easy to watch it did fail to keep me gripped and off the edge of my seat- I didn't find it to be too dramatic.  Adding on, there are very few films that have lines that I remember and this movie did indeed have one.  I'm not quite sure what the exact quote is but when Jackie was told that he had to hold in his temper and he responded with " you really wan't someone on your team who can't stand up for themselves?" and was then told "we wan't someone who can have the strength not to."  I probably butchered that quote just then, but I really liked it and it made me re-evaluate my own temper.  This movie, for me, was a feel good movie that left me happy after watching it.  Jackie's determination really inspired me-even when it didn't seem like he was succeeding, or when everyone was trying to get him down- he didn't let that phase him.  He was so determined to be the best and that definitely left a lasting impression on me.

PART TWO:

I think Jackie Robinson helped this country immensely.  He broke boundaries on so many levels.  I think if there wasn't a Jackie Robinson there would eventually still be an African-American baseball player but I doubt anyone could make the impact that he made.  Not only was he the first African-American in the game- but he was a magnificent man that was blessed with the gift of persistence.  You should learn from this amazing man that quite literally anything is possible.  It is up to you to break boundaries and start new things- but you can only be successful if you put in the time and effort.   I agree with Jackie Robinson when he says "a life is not important except in the impact it was on other lives."  I believe that if you make an impact on even just one person, you have fulfilled your role as a human being.  

PART THREE:

I might use Jackie's nine values to face my own barriers knowing to never give up.  I think these values also just prove that you should be the strongest that you personally can be and continue to push yourself.  Jackie Robinson was an amazing man with an amazing message that everybody can learn from.