Hidden Figures

“Hidden Figures” stars Taraji P. Henson,  Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monde portraying three African American ladies  of unusual skills and talent who became indispensable computer-members of the team that helped bring our country into the space age and, in particular, the safe orbit and return of Astronaut John Glenn. Also starring Kevin Costner, the film is based on the book by Margo Lee Shetterly with a noteworthy screenplay co-written by director Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder. This movie describes the abuses and mental hardships that these ladies had to undergo, endure and ultimately overcome while tending to the task of aiding their country in its time of need. Set in the early 1960’s against the background of Reverend King and the others who were fighting for civil rights, the film brings home the plight of this victimized minority when even using a coffeemaker or restroom in the NASA compound became an issue. Yet, throughout all of these indignities and humiliations, these women persevered and performed above and beyond all expectations even surpassing at times the supposedly talented white engineers and the newly introduced IBM computer that NASA was so heavily relying upon. Perhaps the view of two elderly African American ladies with their young granddaughters sitting in the row in front of me in the theater made me realize how significant and important this film is because it showed us all, including those little girls seated in front of me, how tenacity, talent and dignity can conquer adversity and help those with such qualities achieve the accolades and acknowledgments properly due them.   When one sees a film about the Holocaust, the question often arises as to how many great minds were lost in this mass horror. This film, in its own way, likewise poses the question as to how many great minds were lost or forsaken in the name of prejudice and hate. I recommend this film to persons of every color and gender because it is inspiring and informative and well deserving of a 3 and 1/2 star rating.