It is the true tale of three African American women, Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. All three were gifted mathematicians who worked as “computers” for what would become NASA. Because they were black they were all segregated in a separate working area. In the South at that time restrooms and drinking fountains were separate as well. It’s heartbreaking to watch these ladies relegated to separate coffee pots and distant bathrooms but complain they did not.
The three performers who are cast in these roles are perfect. Taraji P. Henson plays the brilliant Katherine G. Johnson who is still living at 98! Her performance is wonderful throughout with excellent chemistry with her love interest, Colonel Jim Johnson, perfectly played by an up and coming star Mahershala Ali. Taraji is best known for her terrific television roles on “Person of Interest” and “Empire”.
Next comes the gifted Octavia Spencer who plays early programming whiz Dorothy Vaughan. These were the days of the “Fortran” language and computers the size of a house! She won an Oscar for her performance in “The Help” in 2012 and is nominated for another here, and rightfully so.
Lastly is the beautiful and multitalented Janelle Monáe who is the feisty Mary Jackson who went on to become the first female African American engineer at NASA. Janelle lights up the screen and is funny to boot. She is featured in another film in the Oscar mix, “Moonlight” as well. Look for Ms. Monáe to land many more big roles ahead.
This was a great period for our space program with JFK setting our sights on the moon and John Glenn bravely hopping into a capsule the size of a refrigerator to orbit the Earth. Little did any of us know, Katherine G. Johnson was instrumental in making his trip happen, and happen safely. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom a few years ago at age 97.
I encourage everyone to rush out to see this movie. You will thank me. It is uplifting and will bring back memories for those my age, and bring a sweet piece of American history to the younger generation.
Great movie and who knew about human “computers”. I Studied FORTRAN at IU (circa 1976) and had to submit my programs by punched card decks at the main frame computer center. Dorothy Baughn was doing 10-15 years earlier!! Great movie to show the young ‘uns how we have come socially and technically. I especially like the scene where John Glenn want his number checked.
Your review is spot on! My husband grew up in Portsmouth, VA, very near Hampton and was in high school when all this took place. He said no one he knew was aware of what was going on there — top secret stuff for sure.