I’m a native Californian. I live in a “nice” area of California. I have only experienced a race riot on television. I will admit to not truly understanding being a minority. I did live in Louisiana for a very short time in 1967; still no riots, just a surreal feeling. I didn’t understand it then and I don’t understand it now. I do have friends who are African-American and I love them dearly.
Hidden Figures is a slice of history. Virginia in the early 60s. NASA. A slice of history from a different perspective; racism is front and center, yet all are working hard to contribute to their country, in spite of the barriers of race and gender.
John F. Kennedy was President and we were in a race for dominance in space. NASA was newly formed and didn’t even know what they didn’t know. Hidden Figures is based on the true story of three African-American women. All three had brilliant minds and ended up being critical in the quest for space travel. It wasn’t easy in 1961. 
These ladies worked in the West Computing Group, an all “colored” group of ladies known as Computers—as in, “they compute.” Computers (machines) were just starting to be introduced into the workplace. Educated to as high a level as they were allowed, these ladies got dressed up and went to work, all using not just separate bathrooms and lunch rooms, but in fact, working in an entirely different building form their white co-workers. When their computing skills were needed, a white woman entered their building with an assignment.
Al Harrison, NASA Director, was played by the one and only, Kevin Costner. I don’t know him, only saw him once, but he seems like someone I’d invite to a backyard BBQ. I loved him in this movie. He has scenes that make you want to jump up from your seat and cheer! When on assignment, the ladies of the West Computing Group had to return to their own building a half mile away to use the Colored Ladies facility. My favorite Harrison quote is, “Here at NASA we all pee the same color.”
The casting is excellent. Along with Costner we have Oscar winning, Octavia Spencer playing Dorothy Vaughn, as well as Taraji P. Henson as Katherine G. Johnson, and Janelle Mona’e as Mary Jackson.
Kirsten Dunst does well as Vivian Mitchell, the woman in charge of the “Computers.” Toward the end of the movie she tells Dorothy, “Despite what you may believe, I have nothing against y’all.” Dorothy simply answers, “I know that, I know you think that.” Somewhere in that statement is the truth about racism.
I love true stories, even if they are only ‘based’ on the truth. This film certainly did not disappoint. The story line is both insightful and redeeming and with this talented cast it is a home run.
The music is inspiring and upbeat. There are actually lyrics to the songs that fit perfectly with the story. It certainly adds one more dimension to the film and scored (pun intended) it a Golden Globe nomination!
I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone. Three Oscar nominations as well as other accolades were well deserved. Hidden Figures is fun and you actually get a history lesson. This trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big!
As usual, I would love to hear your thoughts at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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