🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: George Nolfi
- Genre: Drama, Biography, History
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 2h 0min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (42K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two Black entrepreneurs teach a white guy math and golf, then use him to buy banks and fight racism, but then things get *checks notes* illegally complicated.
🍿 The Banker: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Audacious Plan
In the 1960s, Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris devise a daring plan to overcome racial barriers in the real estate market. They aim to help African Americans achieve the American dream by providing access to housing and loans, but they face systemic racism at every turn.

Training Matt Steiner
To execute their plan, Bernard and Joe recruit Matt Steiner, a working-class white man, and train him to be the face of their business empire. They tutor him in finance, golf, and social etiquette, preparing him to navigate the white-dominated world of banking and real estate.

Success and Scrutiny
With Matt posing as the owner and Bernard and Joe working behind the scenes as a janitor and chauffeur, they achieve remarkable success, acquiring numerous properties and eventually a bank. However, their success attracts the attention of the federal government, leading to increased scrutiny and investigation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie): A determined and intelligent African-American businessman who devises a plan to combat racial inequality in the 1960s real estate market.
- Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson): A wealthy and experienced African-American entrepreneur who partners with Bernard to execute their ambitious plan.
- Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult): A working-class white man who is trained to pose as the face of Bernard and Joe’s business empire, allowing them to bypass racial barriers.
- Eunice Garrett (Nia Long): Bernard’s supportive wife, who provides encouragement and assistance in their endeavors.
- Robert Florance, Jr. (Scott Daniel Johnson): The son of a bank owner who becomes a loan officer and ultimately contributes to the downfall of Bernard and Joe’s scheme.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Joe Morris: “That’s what I like about you. You are a good person. Ain’t been corrupted by the world yet. Like a child. But, that’s gonna change when you get rich.” – Joe says this to Matt, commenting on his initial naivete before wealth and success change him.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $11,000,000
- Domestic Gross: None
- Worldwide Gross: $1,700,000
💥 The Banker Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed ‘The Banker’! It felt like a classic underdog story, but with a powerful message about race and opportunity. Samuel L. Jackson was amazing as usual, and I was impressed by Anthony Mackie’s performance too. The whole concept of training a white man to be the face of their empire was both clever and audacious. My favorite part was seeing their plan unfold and the impact they had on the community. It definitely made me think about the challenges faced by African Americans in the 60s. Definitely a must-watch!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about social justice”
- “People who enjoy movies with strong performances by Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Racial slurs and discrimination”
- “Brief scenes of violence”
- “Discussion of financial fraud”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “The Banker is a well-intentioned and engaging drama, elevated by strong performances from Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s a compelling look at an important chapter in American history. While it might play it a bit safe, the movie is still very enjoyable.
- Metacritic: “Despite some pacing issues, ‘The Banker’ delivers a thought-provoking story about ambition, race, and the pursuit of the American dream in the face of adversity. The performances are solid, and the movie sheds light on a little-known piece of history.
- IMDB: “Mackie and Jackson shine in this film. Good pacing and a story that has to be seen to be believed. Hoult’s role is pivotal but, at times, takes over from the two main characters. Story definitely worth telling!
Audience Reactions
The performances of Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson were widely praised, particularly their chemistry.: Viewers appreciated the film’s portrayal of a true story and its exploration of racial inequality in the 1960s.
Many viewers found the film to be both educational and entertaining, making it accessible to a wide audience.: The film’s pace and storytelling kept viewers engaged, even though the subject matter could be heavy at times.
Overall Consensus: ‘The Banker’ is a well-acted and engaging drama that sheds light on an important and often overlooked chapter in American history, making it a worthwhile watch.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s original release was delayed due to controversy surrounding Bernard Garrett’s second wife (not depicted in the film) and his son, who was originally listed as a producer.”
- “The filmmakers took some dramatic license with the story, as indicated by the ‘Inspired by true events’ banner at the beginning of the film.”
- “Filming primarily took place in Atlanta, Georgia.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Banker?
The Banker is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+. You can also rent or purchase the movie through various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Banker, you might like these similar films:
- Hidden Figures (2016): Both films highlight the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the face of racial prejudice during the 1960s.
- Green Book (2018): Deals with race relations in the 1960s, showing an unlikely partnership overcoming prejudice.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Both movies feature a story of financial success, and feature the rise and fall of wealthy individuals.
🛒 The Banker Related Products
- The Banker: The True Story: Dive deeper into the real-life story behind the movie with this comprehensive biography. Learn more about the challenges and triumphs of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris.
- 1960s Men’s Fashion Guide: Channel the style of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris with this guide to 1960s men’s fashion. Learn how to dress like a sophisticated entrepreneur from the era.
- Monopoly: Experience the thrill of real estate investment with this classic board game. Sharpen your negotiation and financial skills, just like Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Banker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, The Banker is inspired by the true story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris, two African-American entrepreneurs who challenged racial segregation in the 1960s.
The Banker is available to stream on Apple TV+. It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
The Banker tells the story of two African-American businessmen who hire a white man to pose as the head of their business empire in order to overcome racial discrimination in the 1960s.
🔥 Bonus Content
Bank Refuses Black Man To Enter, So He Buys The Bank And Become Their Boss
Ever wondered how someone could turn discrimination into a massive success? This recap of ‘The Banker’ dives deep into the incredible true story. Trust me, it’s a rollercoaster of ambition and resilience that you won’t want to miss!
Loan Officer Impressed by This Poor Man’s Business Tactic 😱 #thebanker #viral #shorts
Check out this mind-blowing scene from ‘The Banker’ where a clever business tactic leaves a loan officer speechless! It’s a short but powerful example of thinking outside the box.
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