“The Banker” (2020) is a gripping Hollywood film that takes audiences on a journey through an untold chapter of American history. Directed by George Nolfi, this crime drama is based on the real-life story of two African-American businessmen, Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, who defied the odds to break down racial barriers in the banking industry in the 1960s. The film stars Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicholas Hoult, offering an intense narrative about courage, ingenuity, and social justice.
In this article, we will explore the movie’s plot, its themes of racial inequality and determination, and why it’s an important film to watch. We will also provide information on how you can legally download or stream this compelling film.
About the Movie
- Genre: Drama, Crime, History
- Language: English
- Director: George Nolfi
- Release Year: 2020
- Main Cast:
- Anthony Mackie as Bernard Garrett
- Samuel L. Jackson as Joe Morris
- Nicholas Hoult as Matt Steiner
- Nia Long as Eunice Garrett
- Michael Harney as Milton M. Loring
“The Banker” is inspired by the true story of Bernard Garrett (played by Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (played by Samuel L. Jackson), two men who set out to break the racial barriers in the banking industry during the civil rights movement. The two men recruited a working-class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to act as a front for their banking operations. They created a covert empire of financial power in a time when segregation and racial prejudice were rampant. The film explores their struggle against an unjust system, the risks they took to level the playing field, and their determination to make a difference.
Plot Summary
Set in the 1960s, “The Banker” follows Bernard Garrett, a talented young African-American man with an eye for business and finance. Realizing that the lack of access to credit and financial power for African Americans is holding them back, Bernard comes up with a revolutionary plan to create a banking empire to help black families build wealth and break the cycle of poverty.
In order to avoid detection due to racial prejudice, Bernard and his partner Joe Morris recruit Matt Steiner, a working-class white man, to serve as the face of their operations. Together, they begin acquiring banks across Texas, all while keeping their true identities hidden.
As they grow their business, Bernard, Joe, and Matt must navigate numerous challenges, including racial discrimination, corrupt business practices, and constant threats to their lives. The stakes rise when their success threatens the established social and economic order, and they find themselves in a fight not only for their financial empire but for their freedom.
“The Banker” highlights the lengths to which these men had to go to achieve their goals and the courage required to stand up against systemic inequality. The film is a testament to their perseverance in the face of enormous adversity.
Themes Explored
- Racial Inequality and Injustice
- One of the central themes of “The Banker” is the deeply ingrained racial prejudice that shaped society in the 1960s. The film powerfully depicts the barriers African Americans faced in the banking sector and the lengths the protagonists went to in order to overcome them.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship, using their intelligence and creativity to navigate a hostile environment. The film demonstrates the power of innovation and how these men used their skills to create opportunities where none existed.
- Courage and Resistance
- “The Banker” is not just a story about business; it’s about resistance. Bernard, Joe, and Matt displayed tremendous courage by risking their lives to fight against a corrupt system that sought to keep them oppressed. Their struggle exemplifies the fight for civil rights and equality.
- The Power of Friendship and Collaboration
- The relationship between Bernard, Joe, and Matt is built on mutual respect and trust. The film highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving great things, and how people from different walks of life can come together to fight for justice.
Why You Should Watch “The Banker”
- Inspiring Story: “The Banker” is an inspiring true story that showcases the incredible lengths two men went to in order to break racial barriers and provide financial opportunities to the African-American community.
- Stellar Performances: The cast delivers excellent performances, with Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson both giving standout performances as Bernard and Joe. Their chemistry on screen brings the story to life in a compelling way.
- Timely and Relevant: The movie’s themes of racial injustice and inequality are just as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. It serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go—in the fight for equality and justice.
- Thrilling and Thought-Provoking: “The Banker” is not just a historical drama; it’s an intense thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film blends real-life events with cinematic tension, making it an exciting watch for anyone interested in true stories of resistance and resilience.
Where to Watch or Download “The Banker (2020)”
- Streaming Platforms
- “The Banker” is available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video. You can subscribe to these services to access the movie and enjoy it at your convenience.
- Digital Purchase or Rental
- You can rent or purchase the movie through platforms such as Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu.
- DVD/Blu-ray
- If you prefer physical media, “The Banker” is available on DVD and Blu-ray from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
- Cable and On-Demand
- Check your cable provider’s on-demand services to see if “The Banker” is available for rental or purchase.
Fun Facts About the Movie
- Based on True Events: The movie is based on the real-life story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, two trailblazers who helped change the landscape of American banking. Their story was kept relatively unknown for decades, but “The Banker” sheds light on their remarkable achievements.
- Real-life Inspiration: The film’s director, George Nolfi, worked closely with the real Bernard Garrett’s family to ensure an accurate portrayal of the events.
- Cast Chemistry: The on-screen chemistry between Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicholas Hoult was widely praised. Their performances added depth and authenticity to the characters and their relationships.
Conclusion
“The Banker” (2020) is a thrilling, inspirational, and thought-provoking film that offers an important look at the struggle for racial equality in America. Through the remarkable true story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, the film shows how two men risked everything to challenge the status quo and make banking accessible to African Americans during a time of intense racial prejudice.
For those interested in “downloading The Banker 2020 Hollywood movie”, make sure to check out legitimate streaming platforms or digital rental services to enjoy this powerful drama.
