From Fields to the Stars: “Fényévnyi távolban” Chronicles the Inspiring Odyssey of a Mexican-American Astronaut

From Fields to the Stars: “Fényévnyi távolban” Chronicles the Inspiring Odyssey of a Mexican-American Astronaut

The Journey Begins

“Fényévnyi távolban,” translated as “A Million Miles Away,” is a heartening Amazon Prime film that made its debut on September 15. Weaving a narrative based on true events, it tells the story of José M. Hernández, a Mexican-American astronaut. The film opens with a young José working laboriously on plantations alongside his immigrant parents. Despite his humble beginnings and the challenges he encounters at school, José nurtures a dream: to become an astronaut someday.

Against All Odds

The film paints a vivid picture of José’s journey to achieve his dreams, highlighting his battle against racism at his engineering job and the multiple rejections that his applications to NASA face. Despite the setbacks, José never loses hope, largely due to the unwavering support of his family. His parents make numerous sacrifices for his dream, and his love interest, Adela (played by Rosa Salazar), also stands by him throughout this journey. Director Alejandra Marquez Abella has done a commendable job of portraying the life of a perennial dreamer in all its complexities.

Rooted in Reality

The film is grounded in reality, and the writers have done an excellent job of placing José’s story in history. One of the most heart-wrenching sequences in the film is the depiction of a NASA mission catastrophe, which deeply affects José, who is working there by then.

Stellar Performances

The performances in “Fényévnyi távolban” are nothing short of exceptional. Michael Pena, who plays José, delivers a heart-warming performance, embodying a character that is both lovable and ambitious. Rosa Salazar also shines as a supportive wife who initially scoffs at José’s dreams of becoming an astronaut but eventually becomes his pillar of strength.

A Tale of Real Struggles

What sets “Fényévnyi távolban” apart is its commitment to realism. The film could have easily been an overly sweet tale, but instead, it presents a realistic man with real and relatable problems. The movie is not about a triumphant journey ending with a dream job at NASA, but rather a long, arduous, and emotional roller coaster ride filled with hard work and sacrifices.

Effective Storytelling

The film’s realistic storytelling style and well-written script make the ending of “Fényévnyi távolban” cathartic and emotional. In addition, the cinematography is stunning. The film may not be revolutionary, but it’s a worthwhile watch for a weekend matinee. The film’s message, “never give up and always fight for your dreams,” may seem clichéd, but it is effectively delivered.

Conclusion: An Inspiring Journey

Overall, “Fényévnyi távolban” is an inspiring film about a Mexican-American astronaut’s journey from working in plantations to reaching for the stars. It’s a realistic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs he experiences along the way. The film is available to watch with Hungarian subtitles on Amazon Prime, and it serves as a reminder that no matter how humble your beginnings, your dreams are always worth fighting for.