Hidden Figures | Teen Ink

Hidden Figures

June 24, 2019
By MovieReviewer_18 ELITE, Short Hills, New Jersey
MovieReviewer_18 ELITE, Short Hills, New Jersey
678 articles 0 photos 8 comments

Hidden Figures proves to be an enjoyable drama that showcases the true power of science and those who helped to put a man on the moon. The movie revolves around three African-American women that work at NASA, mostly because they are brilliant, talented and some of the best people at their respective positions, despite the obstacles that are placed in front of them, due to the color of their skin. The group consists of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, and they all help to serve as some of the brains behind one of the most important operations in the history of the United States in the attempt to launch John Glenn into orbit, which seemed to be a necessity, considering that the Soviet Union was currently ahead in the Space Race. Tensions between the United States and the Soviets were at an all-time high, and the United States felt that if they failed the operation, there might be pressure to close down the space program, because without results, there would be no justification for funding it. This only added more pressure to NASA and all of its hard workers, but this is more so for Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, because not only must they do their best to help put Glenn into orbit, they must also deal with how they are treated differently. Despite how Katherine is one of the smartest computers out there and can do math like no other, and is eventually asked to do analytical geometry for the Glenn operation, she has to run an hour away just to go to the bathroom every time she has to go and is forced to drink from a different pot of coffee. As it becomes glaringly obvious that the African-American women working at NASA are just as helpful as some of the other employees, it becomes clear that NASA must set aside racial differences and tensions if they wish to truly place John Glenn into orbit, which would later become an astounding achievement that helped to give the United States confidence once again and helped to spin around the Space Race in their favor. 
 

Hidden Figures manages to be a feel-good movie that is sure to please. The movie delicately balances between showing the jobs that the women do and the challenges that they must face and ultimately overcome to demonstrate just how fierce and determined this trio truly was. Inspirational in its entirety, this biographical drama manages to shed some light on a part of NASA's history that isn't very well known and teaches audiences the true extent of what the women accomplished, which is exactly what the movie aspired to do. 
 

Hidden Figures doesn't only present what actually happened, seeing as this movie is based off of a true story, but it also compiles the facts together in such a manner to create drama and create a surprisingly cohesive story. The beginning of the movie brilliantly introduces audiences to the group of women, as well as what was going on in the United States in 1961, which is crucial to understanding how all of the women were treated. The middle of the movie does a marvelous job of progressing the story along, as well as jam-packing the film with character development that allows all of the women to progress as people. The enticing end of the movie actually proves to be quite heartwarming and emotional, and just like the rest of the movie, it will be sure to emotionally touch a few. 

 Hidden Figures has the rare ability to be enjoyed by both viewers and critics alike. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie an impressive 93%, and a whopping 94% of Google users liked the movie, demonstrating that such a wide variety of audiences liked the movie. 

Hidden Figures has drama, emotion, intensity and manages to emotionally affect audiences of all ages. Not only is the movie a good fit for just about anyone and everyone, but it will absolutely surpass any and all expectations. This is definitely a must-see in every sense of the word. 


The author's comments:

"Every time we have a chance to get ahead, they move the finish line." - Mary Jackson


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