October Sky

What is a successful movie? Wonderful stories, gorgeous screens, spectacular visual effects or obscure thoughts? I think they are all unnecessary. From my perspective, the best movies are those have resonances for audience, inspire people to think about their own life and give their hope and courage, no matter how simple they are. Just as October Sky, it tells a story that a group of boys overcome all kinds of difficulties, accumulate the force little by little to break the cocoon then become a butterfly and finally perfectly fly under the vast and clear October sky, simply but inspiringly.

     October Sky, which was directed by Joe Johnston in 1999, was based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a rocket scientist in NASA. The leading actor is Jake Gyllenhaal who is a famous Hollywood star and has an excellent performance in Brokeback Mountain and The Day After Tomorrow. He is very suited to play an outgoing, innocent but persistent character who has boundless enthusiasm and fantasy. And Homer Hickam is just such character in October Sky.

    The story happened in a mining town named Coalwood, Virginia in 1950's. Homer Hickam, growing up in this small town, was thought to follow his father’s footstep and to be a coal miner for a life time. Future was such a faraway word that would never belonged to him. However, everything changed when the Soviet Union sent the first man-made satellite, Sputnik into space in October 1957. After seeing this wonderful sense, Homer thought his life would never belong to the coal mines and he should not be imprisoned in a coal town. What he wanted was the higher and further sky and to be a scientist to create his own satellite.

    This movie also reflects the American Dream. America is a magic land where is filled with treasures, freedom and opportunities. As long as you work hard and possess determination, persistence and never give up, you can achieve success and realize your dreams.

    October Sky indeed is a wonderful movie. By writing this review, I show my respect and appreciation to Homer Hickam. I will always remember these simple words,“We have a lot of dreams, which ignite the whole sky.” The passion in our hearts will never fade away, and the pursuit of dreams will never be over.

Rating: ★★★★