A biopic about Jose Hernandez and his path from a farm worker to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. A tale of perseverance, community, and sacrifice to accomplish a seemingly impossible dream.
Five big gold stars. I’d give this film twenty+ if I could. “A Million Miles Away” is the story of the first Hispanic Nasa astronaut, Jose Rodriguez. But his story is so much more. The film’s release coincides with the beginning of National Hispanic Month, and this film should be shown in every middle school and high school in the U.S. Fortunately, it can be viewed in many homes in America this weekend, hopefully with Mom, Dad, and children watching together and discussing it after. “A Million Miles Away” will debut on Amazon’s Prime Video on September 15th. I admit I haven’t been this high on a film in a very, very (too) long time, for very, very good reasons.
The movie is based on the book of the same name by Jose Rodriguez, whose family came to the U.S. as migrant field workers from Mexico when Jose was a small boy. They lived the migrant life, moving from town to town in California, and they all worked, even the children, when not in school. The work was long, hard, and dirty, and the pay wasn’t commensurate; Jose stood out in school as a bright student, especially gifted in mathematics. However, having to move often for work and changing schools over and over, wasn’t going to prepare him for a future out of the fields and farm work. Jose dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a dream considered a million miles away by family and friends. Enter one exceptional teacher, and her input sends him on a course of action to prepare him to achieve that dream.
Ah, but as Walt said, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” We all learn that just wishing isn’t enough. Jose also learned that, and that lesson is one every student needs to learn. Perhaps the “Five Steps to Success” that Jose’s father teaches him should be a course required in high school.
There is so much more to this film than Rodriguez’s achievements. The meaning of family love and support, the importance of friends in one’s life, and a portrait of a strong marriage built on love and tenacity. Strong father figures, the values and customs of Hispanic families, and the sharing of dreams propels this film. Director Alejandra Márquez Abella successfully weaves all these threads to portray a true hero who rises above challenges and failures. The actors, Michael Peña in particular, are naturals. The music and cinematography are fabulous. The film is long, but there is never an empty moment. The writing fills every second with a storyline that never disappoints. I found in “A Million Miles Away” that which had been missing from so many films I’ve seen in the past. A story well told, characters well acted, and all the minutes filled with action that propelled everything forward. Bien. Bien.
Available on Prime Video Friday, September 15th
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