A Million Miles Away – Budget Unknown – 2 hours and 0 minutes
| Only on Prime Video |
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A young José Hernández and his family left Michoacán, Mexico, and worked as migrant farmers in Stockton, California. Salvador Hernández and his wife, Julia, want to save money to build a house in Michoacán. José watches coverage of the Apollo 11 mission and gets inspired. José’s teacher, Ms. Young, recognizes José’s gift for numbers. She meets with Salvador and Julia after José and his cousin, Beto, fall asleep in class after a long day of work. Ms. Young explains that José has a gift. But it can’t be nurtured if they keep moving José around. Ms. Young leaves, and José runs after her. He tells Ms. Young he wants to be an astronaut and gives her a drawing. Later, Salvador realizes Ms. Young is correct. He decides to give up his home in Mexico and build a new life in California.
Over the past decade, Jose graduated college, worked at Livermore National Laboratory, and married the love of his life, Adela. However, he still dreams about going to space. After finding six rejection letters, Adela sits José down for a serious conversation. What do other astronauts have that he doesn’t? José chooses to put his father’s lessons to work. First, choose a goal, and second, see where you are. Third, figure out how far you have to go. Fourth, if you don’t know, learn. Fifth, if you think you made it, then work harder. Will José make his wildest dream a reality?
Based on Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut, this film focuses on the importance of family, perseverance, and love (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Salvador loves to talk about the monarch butterfly. It travels thousands of miles to migrate. He compares his family to this insect and explains the heights they can reach. The movie takes time to center on José’s hands. He learns to be proud to pick the food on others’ tables. Once, they contained scars, but now they fly. Another topic is assimilation. At first, José tries to blend in with his co-workers. Later, he gains the confidence to be himself and let his culture shine. José didn’t become an astronaut despite who he was. He is an astronaut because of it. Another shining light in this film is the beautiful marriage between Adela and José. Yes, the film tells his story, but it is a love letter to her.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tenacity is a superpower – Kalpana Chawla
The teacher’s right – Salvador Hernández
Jose, how big is it – Adela
I have a key – Jose
You are a force of nature – Ms. Young
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Categories: A Million Miles Away, michael pena, movie, Prime Video, review, Rosa Salazar, VOD
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