The themes are as 'in your face' as the presentation is gracefully subtle

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2017)

Sensitive subjects are difficult to discuss, and even trickier to portray in the media without making it overkill; but this movie impressively pulls it off with equal parts subtlety and humour. And yet, the message is never lost or muddied throughout the anecdotes from Katherine, Dororthy and Mary's life struggles.
There is some criticism against Hidden Figures for its "overstated" scenes, but it's necessary to keep in mind that it was the '60s! Those were times of undeniable exaggeration in both, the cinematic and real world, so they naturally need to be portrayed with the same exaggeration that prevailed at the time.
In short, if you are a fan of biopics and historical fiction, this is a must watch because it blends the two genres well, without getting so scientific that you need an encyclopedia to decode the dialogue or unbearably melodramatic and cheesy. On the other hand, if you're not very taken by such topics, I would still very much recommend watching this film because the hopeful tilt it provides to relevant social issues is uplifting and if nothing else, at least some great entertainment!