Hidden Figures (2016)
I laughed, I cried, I cheered. This film is unmissable and based on a true story. Watch it.
What is Hidden Figures about?
The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. (from IMDB)
My review of Hidden Figures
It's superbly written. The dialogue is witty, gripping, and the cinematography and set design are also brilliant. Every scene is vibrant, and the use of colour is striking. I also love the soundtrack; it's haunting, and then energetic, in all the right places.
The racism and sexism of the era and the situations these poor women have to contend with are horrifying. It's infuriating to watch. But, I love how the story chooses to focus on hope, too - on triumph over these awful aspects. Unfortunately not every story like this would have a happy ending, but I love that this one does. It's uplifting and inspiring the way these women triumph (to a degree).
The humour is also amazing. I laughed out loud more than once, and I love that this is a fun film as much as it is a spotlight on the horror of racism and sexism. Yes those things are terrible, but there is light in other aspects of the movie as well. I love that.
Taraji P. Henson in Hidden Figures | from IMDB
The acting is exceptional. Spencer, Henson and Monáe utterly embody these three incredible female legends. Their characters are real, three dimensional women who are not only extremely intelligent and using that intelligence for their country, but are mothers and wives with responsibilities outside of the workplace - balancing life as well as jobs. They're basically all round role models. Then, to add to that, not only are they blacks during segregation times, but they're also women working amidst misogynistic white males in a male dominated workplace where women have extremely minimal rights and men fight them every step of the way in every area of their job. So while these women have every reason to give up, they don't. And their perseverance and attitude is so inspiring. They are real life heroines.
Kevin Costner is also excellent. He nails this role. His character is a man who, in his limited way, gives Henson's character the opportunities and acknowledgements she deserves and is a man not threatened by her intelligence and competency. I love men like that.
