An inspiring tale of three iron-ladies at NASA! [+72%]

Rating: 7/10 (25 July 2017)

The going was never easy for Afro-American mathematicians Katherine, Dorothy and Mary at NASA. Their inspirational story has been (partially) recreated by Theodore Melfi and makes for an engaging watch. Though some facts could have been tinkered with, much of the misogyny and discrimination faced by these women at various circumstances during their stint and NASA (and elsewhere) are picturized in a believable manner.
The friendly banter between the three women (especially the scenes in the car) is a scream. Spencer, Henson and Monae are wonderfully radiant and light up most of their respective scenes. Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst and Mahershala Ali and the rest pitch in with above-par supporting performances.
It must have surely been intimidating for an Afro-American woman to work/study in institutions filled with scathing white men who tend to look down upon the colored. Katherine having to run half a mile to get to a 'colored' ladies restroom relieve herself, use a coffee machine designated for the 'colored', being denied entry at male-dominated meetings are just few instances where the viewer starts rooting for her character by default. That she is a wonderful mother only adds to her already-likable character arc. Sames goes with the other two women. Dorothy eventually goes on to head the programming department while Mary graduates in engineering, only by way of upgrading themselves through substantial efforts. The scene towards the end where Dorothy's white colleague played by Dunst finally addresses her as 'Mrs. Vaughan' declaring her newly-discovered admiration, is one of the stand- out moments in a film that boasts of several.
The climax, although one that looks slightly tweaked to champion the presence of the three leads, is a well-cooked 'feel-good' meal. 'Hidden Figures' rightfully deserves a viewing for its affable performances and zealous writing/direction.
Verdict: Inspiring feel-good flick!