So to properly ring in Martin Luther King Day, I went to see the movie "Hidden Figures." It was great. I am probably super biased in saying that because of what it is about. Three black women who go on to accomplish what were seemingly impossible feats at the time that they were done - but I would like to think I'm being genuine in the reasoning as to why I think it was great. One, the music. Pharell Williams did a great job with the soundtrack as it fit perfectly within the scenes. The dialogue was very clever, as it should be, given that it was all about a bunch of nerds getting together and trying to find a way to launch a dude into space. However, because of all the bright minds congregated in one room, it naturally opened the door for some scientific shade to be tossed around. I could appreciate both the banter I could and could not fully understand. The former made me feel smart whilst the latter made me desire to acquire more knowledge. I think this movie was a necessary adaptation of history, and while I can't directly speak for its accuracy, it will get people to look it up - and that's what these types of movies should be about, opening the topic up for discussion. The satire was hilarious but also portrayed real problems that people faced in those times and arguably still face today. The movie had a lot of memorable quotes and made me wonder how many other key figures in history remain hidden. How many of those that were hidden - or black? We can't hide behind our ancestors' struggles or their successes. They are not us, but it's important to know what they did. Sometimes all you need to see is someone who looks like you doing something great. With this movie, I saw three people like me, and I feel inspired.
It felt good to see a movie about black people that wasn't rooted in slavery or sports. We are more than what we can offer physically. While the movie still dealt with racism, it was different as it showcased our minds instead. I guess that's what I like about this movie most of all - that the characters never made themselves out to be victims and they didn't fit the stereotypes. They denied the idiotic idea of 'uplift' and got frustrated. "Every time we get ahead, they move the finish line." There was no complacency and they certainly didn't stand around and do nothing.This isn't to say other people didn't contribute - they did - but the fact that there had to be an entire movie made about them just for us to know how vital they are to history is disappointing. That says more than this article ever could.
