Although it did not receive any Golden Globes from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), I believe that one of the best films of the month is Hidden Figures. The film, directed by Theodore Melfi, was released in theaters on December 25, 2016, and was based off of the book, written by Margot Lee Shetterly. Hidden Figures details the story behind the African American women that made it possible for NASA to shuttle men to the moon and back. Without the help of Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (played by Janelle Monáe), NASA would not have been able to beat the Russians in the "International Space Race" of the 1950's and 1960's.
All three female leads portrayed strong and intelligent African American women struggling to bypass the hardships that befell them due to discrimination by the white and male populations of the United States during this time of deep struggle in the United States. The film is set in 1961, a few years prior to the Civil Rights Act that outlawed segregation and discrimination based on race, gender, or skin color. The film shows the brave steps taken in the national space program to break down these barriers, well before national steps were taken. The film score was absolutely beautiful and went perfectly with the film. It was equally beautiful and powerful; a reflection of the message of the film and the characters portrayed.
I highly recommend this film, especially for young women. I left the theater feeling so empowered, as if I could do anything that I put my mind to because I am a female. Hidden Figures had just the right amount of humor, showing off the stereotypical Southern African American woman's fierce nature. It also showed the importance of family and love in the lives of the three women. By the end of the film, you feel just as though you know these women and have experienced the struggles with them. If you are looking for something to watch this weekend, head over to your local cinema and watch Hidden Figures!
