This movie looks like it was made a few decades ago, and that is a compliment. It demonstrates that without the sound and fury that signify nothing, a movie made lovingly and simply can be a joy to watch. If you have seen "Hidden figures", "A million miles away" may well be a Mexican-American variation of its theme, a feel-good story about achievements of minorities at NASA.
This biopic, based on José Hernández's (Michael Pena) memoir, "Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut", starts with his childhood days when his father took the family through various places in the US southwest, seeking the best job available for an immigrant laborer. Not exactly nomadic; but close enough. While not particularly strong on education, his father taught Jose worldly wisdom, "five ingredients" to success. Number 5 is "when you think you are already there, that is when you have to work harder". These ingredients appear as chapter titles marking the progress of the simple but effective narrative, in tracing Jose's journey to becoming an astronaut.
Early school days already see Jose particularly gifted in mathematics. This is noticed by one person who arguably is the most important person in his life, other than his family. Ms. Young (Michelle Krusiec) goes the length of meeting with his family pleading earnestly with the father (with Jose as translator) to give up this nomadic life so that his children can settle down to receive a proper education. Towards the end of the movie, there is an unexpected, heartwarming closure on this.
The straightforward narrative covers obstacles and positive aspects in equal measures. While the backdrop is obviously the period atmosphere of prejudice towards minorities, Jose has his own fair share of personal weaknesses such as underwater surviving capabilities and occasional misses in navigation judgement. These he overcomes with gritty perseverance.
On the credit side of the ledger, he is surrounded by love and support. By sheer luck, when he purchasing a car, he meets endearing Adela (Rosa Salazar) who, in addition to giving him inexhaustible patience and support, also 5 lovely children. Cousin and bestie Beto (Bobby Soto) tells him "I just think it's great that I get to be so freaking proud and have no idea what you're talking about, cousin." When he stumbles during training in NASA, trainer Kalpana Chawla (Sarayu Blue), a double-minority herself, lends a helping hand: "Tenacity is a superpower". It is particularly poignant as both these wonderful people do not last the duration of the period covered in the movie.
The earth-shattering occasion of his receiving a "green light" letter from NASA, after 11 unsuccessful attempts, is beautifully understated. Adela, upon hearing the wonderful news, shows mixed feelings "The dishwasher is not coming" she is close to tears. Cut to next scene when we see the NASA new acolyte washing dishes!
As expected, the movie closes with photos of the real couple, who have interesting resemblance to Pena and Salazar. Sorry, should be the other way round. It is further enriched with historical footage of immigrant life and space launching.
This biopic, based on José Hernández's (Michael Pena) memoir, "Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut", starts with his childhood days when his father took the family through various places in the US southwest, seeking the best job available for an immigrant laborer. Not exactly nomadic; but close enough. While not particularly strong on education, his father taught Jose worldly wisdom, "five ingredients" to success. Number 5 is "when you think you are already there, that is when you have to work harder". These ingredients appear as chapter titles marking the progress of the simple but effective narrative, in tracing Jose's journey to becoming an astronaut.
Early school days already see Jose particularly gifted in mathematics. This is noticed by one person who arguably is the most important person in his life, other than his family. Ms. Young (Michelle Krusiec) goes the length of meeting with his family pleading earnestly with the father (with Jose as translator) to give up this nomadic life so that his children can settle down to receive a proper education. Towards the end of the movie, there is an unexpected, heartwarming closure on this.
The straightforward narrative covers obstacles and positive aspects in equal measures. While the backdrop is obviously the period atmosphere of prejudice towards minorities, Jose has his own fair share of personal weaknesses such as underwater surviving capabilities and occasional misses in navigation judgement. These he overcomes with gritty perseverance.
On the credit side of the ledger, he is surrounded by love and support. By sheer luck, when he purchasing a car, he meets endearing Adela (Rosa Salazar) who, in addition to giving him inexhaustible patience and support, also 5 lovely children. Cousin and bestie Beto (Bobby Soto) tells him "I just think it's great that I get to be so freaking proud and have no idea what you're talking about, cousin." When he stumbles during training in NASA, trainer Kalpana Chawla (Sarayu Blue), a double-minority herself, lends a helping hand: "Tenacity is a superpower". It is particularly poignant as both these wonderful people do not last the duration of the period covered in the movie.
The earth-shattering occasion of his receiving a "green light" letter from NASA, after 11 unsuccessful attempts, is beautifully understated. Adela, upon hearing the wonderful news, shows mixed feelings "The dishwasher is not coming" she is close to tears. Cut to next scene when we see the NASA new acolyte washing dishes!
As expected, the movie closes with photos of the real couple, who have interesting resemblance to Pena and Salazar. Sorry, should be the other way round. It is further enriched with historical footage of immigrant life and space launching.