"Nicolas Giraud sends his main character into space - and us along".
Here is the kind of movie that the world needs these days.
This movie is a reminder that dreaming is not only about escaping reality (as has seemed to be the trend in these last years' movies), rather first and foremost it is about helping think up the reality of tomorrow.
And this is why you have to admire its single-minded pursuit of realism and scientific credibility. No CGIs here, everything is for real : the rocket engine lent by Ariane Group, the rocket's outer plating as would a passionate hobbyist do it, the software - no beeping sound out of the computers here, and for who has been educated in science, it's oh so refreshing.
"Nicolas Giraud sends his main character into space - and us along". And for less than $ 4 million ! Which is a tour de force almost as worthy as the one the story tells.
But far from scientific dryness, it's also a movie that cares deeply about its characters and their relationships, as did the director's previous effort, as even the last scene shows (not spoiling it).
The actors are all in tune and fully believe in the story. Mathieu Kassovitz' mentoring figure welcomingly strays from the kind of role he's known for. The director also plays the main character, in a way that puts to the forefront the obsession that drives him - and the whole movie - despite the risks of the endeavour.
This movie shows some beautiful images, best seen in a movie theater. The scenario holds up very well. The music adds to the poetry of it all. And no, contrary to what I feared beforehands, the trailer does not show everything, far from it.
I think this is a very good movie. A movie that most probably will trigger aspirations in the youngest among us. A movie that challenges you to go where only you can go. A movie that reminds that our dreams harbor the very essence of our self, of where we come from, and invites us to share them around us.
A movie you'll leave with stars in the eyes.
