Topic > Movie Review: How to Count (2016)

The movie, How to Count (2016), not only serves as good entertainment, but is also admirable in depicting the scientific changes that have taken place in the United States in the 60s, the society problems of life of that era and differences that existed in the country, especially among African Americans. The film centers on the lives of three women: Katherine Johnson, recreated by movie star Taraji P. Henson; Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe; and finally Dorothy Vaughan, in the role of the mathematician played by Octavia Spencer. Essentially, all three women of African-American descent, play a vital role in society through their contributions while working at NASA for the successful launch of a spaceship into orbit. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay As an informative film, it shows the condition of African Americans in the larger US community and some of the problems they faced. These include gender imbalances and racial discrimination. From a historical perspective, the film shows a depiction of Jim Crow rule, which created ideologies of segregation, requiring certain buildings and facility spaces to be segregated to ensure that races were kept apart (Edwards and Thomson, 146). The impact of that rule is seen through Mary Jackson in dealing with opposition following a college-level physics course. There is also a depiction of racial discrimination where there are separate bathrooms for whites and people of color. Furthermore, the film depicts differences in the social treatment of community members between various ethnic groups. As seen in the film, at NASA's Langley Campus, even though African Americans and white citizens work in the same vicinity, they are segregated, with African Americans using separate dining rooms and bathrooms. This was considered a key feature during the Jim Crow years, acting as a tool for unequal treatment of African Americans (Edwards and Thomson, 145). In the film, Katherine Johnson is seen running from her office just to go to the bathroom, sometimes even in the rain. The film, Hidden Figures, is also important in showing the social differences between men and women in historical America. There is a sense of bias and prejudice in the workplace against women from their male colleagues. One scene in the film depicts Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), who is skilled in computer science and explaining information to the board, but sidelined and prevented from being among the men by Paul Stanford, a lead engineer on the project. Rather, she is forced to give up her presentation files to the men, instead of making the presentation herself. However, with changes and acceptance, Katherine can finally present, especially with the support of Al Harrison. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The film also shows the importance and impact that the three women had in shaping post-NASA events and shaping the entire community. Through power and determination, women act as motivators for other women, especially African American women. As seen with Dorothy working with other white women and commanding several computers, she is passed over for upcoming promotions within the company for the supervisor role. Furthermore, Dorothy is treated maliciously by her colleagues and her boss. However, with perseverance, she encourages other African American women to take programming classes as a way to prepare for changes in computer science. With everyone,. (2016).