October Sky

If you want to know what makes scientists, watch this film. If you want to know what compels humanity to progress, watch this film. If you want to know how one young boy and his friends fought against tradition and broke the shackles of the commonplace and the mundane, watch this film.Meet Homer Hickam (played admirably by Jake Gyllenhaal), a typical teenager boy, just like anyone else, whose imagination is fired when he sees Sputnik, the first man made object in space sent by the Soviets, streaking brilliantly across the October sky in the October of 1957. From that day, Homer sets his mind on being a rocket scientist. But fate, it seems, has other plans for him. He lives in a small town called Coalwood in West Virginia, where, it looks as if the only way to get out of school into college is on a football scholarship. The rest of the boys, who can't play football, end up in the coalmines. The mine is supervised by Homer's father John Hickam, a veteran coal miner, basically a very good man at heart, but who values his mine and principles more than even his family. He strictly says no to Homer's rocket building, and wants him to work in the mines. However, Homer persists, backed tacitly by his iconoclastic mother, and along with his friends improves his rockets to the point where they are almost miniature versions of the real ones. Inspired by his teacher, Miss Riley who is suffering from terminal Hodgkin's disease, Homer fights against his father's principles and amidst personal tragedies and problems finally wins the first prize at the National Science Fair, which lands him dozens of scholarships to study science at the best colleges in the state. The cast of characters is perfect and the performances are superb. The musical score beautifully supports the events. A fantastic old-fashioned dash of filmmaking. You don't get to see such kinds of movies nowadays. A truly inspiring movie. It would be one you would want to show youe children. Like many others, it got lost in the craze of the hi tech and big production movies of today. See it now, and you will cherish it forever.October Sky is based on a true story which makes you believe in the kind of people and situations that contribute to the progress of humanity, propelled on by their dreams in the face of opposition. Its one of the most touching movies I have ever seen. I have to admit that it brings a tear to my eyes almost everytime I see it. That's because I think that it represents human determination and achievement at its most innocent and honest level, and that is an overwhelming feeling. Moreover, "reaching the stars" is something which man has dreamt of perhaps since he lived in caves. Men like Homer Hickam make this eternal and extraordinary dream a great reality. Also a great example of the kind of people who want to pursue the American Dream. Its also touching for me because I think that somewhere, in this utilitarian world, those aspirations have been lost, or at least cloaked beyond recognition in materialistic ambitions. I believe that the 1950s was probably the last decade when everyone thought that simple, honest hard-work was the key to greatness, and that in fact was and always will be the case. Unfortunately, today, everything comes too easily to us. I hope with all my heart that we are wise and prescient enough not to let the Homer Hickams among us get smothered by false ambition and the devious glitter of the future...

Excellent movie----highly recommend.

"October Sky" isn't just a movie; it's a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of storytelling. From the first frame to the last, it grips your heart and soul, taking you on an exhilarating journey of hope, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams.Set against the backdrop of a small mining town in West Virginia in the late 1950s, "October Sky" tells the true story of Homer Hickam, a young man with stars in his eyes and a passion for rocketry that knows no bounds. As he and his friends embark on a quest to defy the expectations of their community and reach for the stars, the film unfolds with a sense of wonder and awe that is nothing short of breathtaking.What sets "October Sky" apart is its ability to capture the essence of the human spirit – the triumphs, the failures, and the indomitable will to never give up, no matter the odds. Through its poignant storytelling and rich character development, it reminds us of the power of perseverance, the importance of chasing our dreams, and the beauty of finding purpose in the most unexpected of places.But perhaps what makes "October Sky" truly unforgettable is its ability to inspire. As we witness Homer and his friends overcome obstacles, face adversity, and ultimately achieve their goals, we are reminded that anything is possible if we dare to dream and believe in ourselves. It's a timeless message that resonates with audiences of all ages, making "October Sky" not just a movie, but a life-changing experience.In the end, "October Sky" isn't just the best movie ever made – it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the stars still shine bright. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime – because "October Sky" will take you to infinity and beyond.