“Hidden Figures”, 2016
Director: Theodore Melfi
A powerful and inspiring film that uncovers the untold true story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) – who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell, Kimberly Quinn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Hidden Figures” on the website imdb.com
“First Man”, 2018
Director: Damien Chazelle
Directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, this biographical drama focuses on the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, offering insight into Armstrong's life and the monumental lunar landing.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Patrick Fugit, Christopher Abbott, Ciarán Hinds, Olivia Hamilton, Pablo Schreiber;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “First Man” on the website imdb.com
“The Martian”, 2015
Director: Ridley Scott
A sci-fi thriller directed by Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon as astronaut Mark Watney. After being presumed dead and left behind on Mars, Watney must rely on his ingenuity and wit to signal to Earth he is alive and struggling to survive, while NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home.
Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Peña, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: science fiction, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 144 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Martian” on the website imdb.com
“Gravity”, 2013
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Though more a work of fiction than the others and not centered specifically around NASA, this film directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, provides a heart-pounding tale of survival set against the backdrop of space. It portrays a space shuttle mission that goes terribly awry, resulting in two astronauts being stranded in space, showing the relentless danger of space and the human spirit's resilience.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen, Phaldut Sharma, Amy Warren, Basher Savage;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Gravity” on the website imdb.com
These films, in their exploration of the human aspects of space exploration, portray the determination, bravery, and ingenuity of the people behind NASA's missions, offering inspiring and often thrilling viewing experiences.
In conclusion, films about NASA capture the human spirit of discovery and the relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond our earthly confines. They serve as powerful narratives that not only educate the public on the myriad of scientific endeavors undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration but also inspire awe and wonder at the vastness of space and the potential within every individual to contribute to something larger than themselves. From riveting dramas like “Apollo 13” to the aspirational energy of “Hidden Figures,” NASA-based films remind us of the achievements, challenges, and sacrifices inherent in space exploration. They honor the legacy of astronauts, engineers, and scientists who push the boundaries of human capability, breathing life into the stories that fuel our collective imagination and urge us to reach for the stars.
