REVIEW: ‘Hidden figures’ timely, moving rediscovery of history

MANILA, Philippines – Combined historic relevance, contemporary timeliness, and effective actors – those are the elements that Theodore “Ted” Melfi’s “Hidden Figures” movie achieved.

Historic but engaging, “Hidden Figures” tells the untold yet true story of a brilliant group of black women lead by a trio of women, who each played a vital role in the 1960s, in an old-fashioned but straight forward manner.  It was adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction book.

The group of black women served as mathematicians at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) who helped win the all-out space race against America’s rivals in the Soviet Union and, at the same time, sent the quest for equal rights and opportunity to rocket forward. 

Through this film, we will discover unsung heroes such as Katherine Goble Johnson played by Oscar nominee Taraji Henson, Dorothy Vaughan portrayed by Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, and Mary Jackson brought to life by singer and composer Janelle Monae. These figures are not taught in school or even known to most people, but were behind the success of male astronauts who took the first giant steps for humankind in space, with help from the women, who have computer-like minds.

While the film’s main goal was to introduce the hidden personalities behind the Apollo missions, it managed to uncover relevant socio-political issues such as gender and racial discrimination, especially in this age when the society fears its return, making it more sensible. This is because the trio lead characters were unstoppable in crossing gender, race and professional lines, leading to their involvement in cosmic travel and the birth of Civil rights.

Despite the struggles presented, it just veered away from banking on the dramatic aspects of the film, the romance and the technicalities of mathematics, and instead, focused on what the film is about – the hidden figures.

It helped that the screenplay was powerful and that a simple line like: “We all pee the same thing,” can move you and will make you realize the advantages of equal rights.

Of course, the actresses behind the trio were all a stand out just as the lead male actor, Kevin Costner, whose character as NASA’s executive, appears strict but could melt your heart somewhere along the film.

R&B singer Monae was also a revelation considering that this was just her second film following “Moonlight.” Viewers who will watch this film will mistake her her for a veteran actress.

“Hidden Figures” opened Wednesday in cinemas nationwide. It is from 20th Century Fox, to be distributed by Warner Bros.