October Sky

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Movie info

Synopsis

Coalwood, West Virginia, 1957. Working in the coal mines is an inescapable way of life in this small town. When high schooler Homer Hickam, Jr. (Jake Gyllenhaal) sees the Sputnik satellite in the night sky, he dares to break free of the mines and reach for the stars. With the support of his teacher (Laura Dern) and three friends, Homer sets out on an inspiring quest to build his own rocket. Overcoming a poor education, a tough father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires, Homer turns his dreams into reality in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph.

Movie info:

Release:

1999

Running Time:

103 min

Certificate:

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

Availability:

Watch online: Unavailable
Download: Unavailable

Genre:

Drama

Cast:

Director:

Joe Johnston

Reviews & comments (1)

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Joanne Peacock
A heart-warming film about realising your dreams
06 December 2008
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer Hickman in a true-life story of a young kid in a narrow minded 50s coal mining community in Virginia, who inspired by the launch of sputnik joins his three best friends to try to launch a rocket to win the National Science competition, much to the chagrin of the traditionalist townsfolk. This heart-warming film highlights the known plight of the working class in creating a life that is past the normal conditioned track. In addition, Homer’s journey inspires his deadbeat friends and family, and along the way they each create their own direction and get off out of the mining way of life. This is hugely powerful, and could possibly have been emphasized further. The film is very effective and challenges conservative and conformist attitudes. Jake Gyllenhaal looks truly beautiful throughout the film, and his acting is as outstanding as ever.
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