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9 things we loved about the inspiring Hidden Figures

We wish we could properly attribute the quote "Girls can do anything boys can do," because it is one of the truest statements we've ever heard, and one that we love to keep by our sides whenever we're doubting ourselves. The new film, Hidden Figures, represents that phrase completely.

Out Friday, the movie is based on a book of the same name that tells the story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), a mathematics genius at NASA who calculated trajectories, landings and other specifics for NASA's first ever Earth orbit. Yeah, she's kind of a big deal.

It's Katherine's insane smarts that made us love the film so much. Here are eight other reasons why you'll love it too.

It's socially relevant
The film takes place in the 1960s when segregation (the separation of Caucasian and African Americans) was a thing. Things like public restrooms, transportation and restaurants were segregated by race, meaning that African Americans were not able to use things relegated for Caucasian Americans. This racial tension is something that Katherine must deal with when she moves to a new office setting, and it's something we still deal with as a society in other ways to this day.

It shows a female in a male dominated arena
Back then, it was unheard of for a woman to take on the work that Katherine did. When she was asked to join the Space Task Group, a team made up of all men, they did not take kindly to her presence at first, but she proved that she was right where she belonged.

Male characters aren't the central storyline...
Husbands are infrequently shown and are almost never the focus of the scenes they're in. Katherine isn't even shown with her groom on her wedding day—she is only shown next to her to best friends. Speaking of best friends...

...instead, female friendships are emphasized
Katherine, Dorothy Johnson (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) support each other through thick and thin, and are unafraid of telling each other like it is. At the end of the day they push each other to be better people—like when Dorothy and Mary push Katherine to pluck up the courage to talk to Jim—and that's what friendship is all about.

The fashion is mega fierce
Every facet of this film is inspiring—right down to the wardrobe. We adore all the 1960s styles the cast rock, especially Janelle Monae's character's look above (right)! 

We're able to see a "first-hand" account of a space mission
Though we weren't alive when this space mission occurred (and we're thinking it's a safe bet that you weren't either!), this was a grand way to see the monumental mission in play that made us feel like we were.

Katherine's daughters are downright adorable
Sainnya Sidney, who portrays Katherine's daughter Constance, says working with her on screen sisters, Zani Jones Mbayise and Ariana Neal, was awesome. "We're all like a family. In between takes we would dance and sing together. We would watch YouTube videos and play games on our phones." Sounds like they had just as much fun off screen as they did on screen!

It depicts determined women
Hidden Figures itself is based on smart, strong women fighting for what they want. Katherine wants her contributions to be heard and her work to be taken seriously. Mary wants to further her education in a controversial way. Dorothy wants the promotion that she deserves.

The music is amazing
Pharrell created the original score for the movie, and though it has not even hit theaters yet, it's already been nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Pharrell's "Running" for the movie has also been nominated for several awards.

Hidden Figures hits big screens across the nation tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 6. Check it out in a theatre near you!

Photo credit: Hopper Stone

by GL | 1/5/2017
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