Review of Hidden Figures (2016) by Nandan T — 25 Mar 2017

Perfect films don't exist. They never have, and they never will. Though perfect scores are given out nonetheless.

True stories (biographies) are my favourite genre. To me, they can get as close to perfection as possible. A well-made biopic has the power to shake us to our very core.

Hidden Figures proves this beyond the shadow of a doubt. The story of three African-American women, fighting racism, who, against all odds believe in themselves and make their country proud.

While telling their story, the film also tackles the issues of gender inequality and racism. Inequality between men and women in general and apartheid between the whites and colored. It seemed like being a black woman in 19th Century America was the worst life you could possibly have.

This disparity was clearly seen in general public as well as within their space organization NASA. The film also understands that it wants to tell the story of these three women and not the story of racism in America at period of time. So, it never gets too preachy or deviates itself from the subject matter. Hitting all the right notes along the way.

Taraji P. Henson (as Katherine Johnson), Janelle Monáe (as Mary Jackson) and Octavia Spencer (as Dorothy Vaughn) were outstanding. A special mention to Mahershala Alia (Colonel Jim Johnson) and my boy Jim Parsons (Paul Stafford) for their side roles. And Kevin Costner (Al Harrison) who gets some of the best lines.

The directing, editing, visuals, cinematography & set pieces were on-point.

As for issues, I think they should have dumbed it down a bit. It gets far too technical and mathematical, diving into analytical geometry and whatnot. Also the film doesn't have much re-watching value to it. I don't see myself watching it alone all by myself again. There are no action scenes or plot twists. Just a simple story told in a passionate way.

Maybe I'm nitpicking here. Gather round with your family and watch this if you can. It is well worth your time. You won't be disappointed.

5/5 Stars.