Hidden Figures

HIDDEN FIGURES shows smart, intelligent, educated women. Specifically, the lead characters in the movie are African American women. This is refreshing for cinema and the true story the film is based on is a cultural phenomenon. These incredible women played by Taraji P. Henson (Katherine Goble Johnson), Octavia Spencer (Dorothy Vaughan), and Janelle Monae (Mary Jackson), are mathematicians and an engineer.

Today there is a need for more women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson are three of the first women to work in these fields, which was in 1962, in careers that lasted for several years, and they were segregated. They excelled, despite the circumstances. After learning their story, many people will have even more respect for their employer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is commendable that NASA hired African Americans, even though they were segregated, and recognized the individuals that had pertinent knowledge vital to making the organization even stronger, contributing to the progression of the United States of America in a major way.

Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, and Jim Parsons all play important roles in the film. Their characters are the ones who are colleagues of the three women at NASA who had to humbly recognize their racial bias and overcome it for the greater good of the team and goals of the organization.

HIDDEN FIGURES is currently playing in theatres. The official Web site for the film is http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/hidden-figures.

The Man Who Knew Infinity

In THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Dev Patel plays Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-educated mathematician who grew up poor in Madras, India. Indian mathematicians quickly recognize Ramanujan's genius, but it takes longer for others to acknowledge it. The film is based on the 1991 biography novel titled The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel.

Eventually after writing letters with theorems, Ramanujan is accepted to Trinity College in Cambridge, England.  His professor, G.H. Hardy (played by Jeremy Irons)  guides him through the process of presenting theories academically. Unfortunately, Ramanujan faces discrimination in England. However, he is focused on uncovering proofs for his theories, and unaffected by the negative people.  The insults just make him stronger and more determined.

It is invigorating watching someone who has found his passion. It is even more pleasing when the person is willing to share and create something that will benefit others. THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY shows this, and individuals who watch the movie are likely inspired.

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY is currently playing in theatres.