Watch 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King

4192: The Crowning of the Hit King is a documentary film from 2010 that is based on the powerful story of Pete Rose, who was one of the most accomplished baseball players of his time. The film is directed by Terry Lukemire and stars well-known personalities such as Marty Brennaman, Tony Perez, and, of course, Pete Rose. Pete Rose’s name is synonymous with baseball greatness, and his exploits in the field have cemented his place in the history of the sport. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his exceptional abilities with the bat. Rose played for the Cincinnati Reds, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Montreal Expos during his professional career, which began in 1963 and ended in 1986.

The film starts with Rose’s early years in which he honed his skills as a baseball player. Pete Rose grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and from an early age, he showed an affinity for sports, particularly baseball. He started his career by playing for his high school team, and soon, his talent and dedication saw him being scouted by professional baseball teams.

The documentary goes on to showcase the highlights of Rose's illustrious career, including his record-breaking 4,192nd hit in 1985 that earned him the title of the all-time hit king. The documentary provides insightful commentary and interviews with baseball legends like Tony Perez and Marty Brennaman, who provide their unique perspective on the impact that Rose had on the sport.

Throughout the documentary, we see how Rose’s unrelenting pursuit of success and his fierce competitive spirit made him one of the most revered figures in the sport. However, his career and life were marred by controversy, particularly in the events leading up to his banishment from baseball in 1989 for gambling on games while he was a player and manager.

Despite this, 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King is not just about Pete Rose’s accomplishments as a baseball player but it explores the complex personal struggles that he faced throughout his life. The film touches on his strained relationships with his family members; how he coped with the severe physical injuries he sustained while playing the sport; and ultimately how he dealt with the fallout from his banishment from baseball.

The documentary also sheds light on the unparalleled impact that Rose had on the city of Cincinnati, as well as the sport of baseball as a whole. His legacy is still felt today, nearly four decades after his record-breaking hit, and the documentary provides a glimpse into the deep reverence that is still held for him among Reds fans and baseball enthusiasts around the world.

Director Terry Lukemire employs a mix of interviews, archive footage and voiceovers from the likes of Tom Browning, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez, which effectively captures the emotion and intensity of the story. The cinematography is beautiful and intimate, with the camera often catching Rose in reflective and candid moments that showcase the emotional and psychological aspects of his journey.

Overall, 4192: The Crowning of the Hit King is a moving and powerful documentary that captures the career and the life of one of baseball's greatest players. The film not only provides a comprehensive portrait of Rose’s career, but it also delves deep into the complex relationships and struggles that defined his life. The documentary does an excellent job of portraying a story of an individual who faced both triumph and tragedy on and off the diamond while never losing his competitive spirit.

4192: The Crowning of the Hit King is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.