OK for kids 9+
Lofty recap of the Apollo moon program.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this documentary mentions the riots and upheavals of the 1960s, as well as the dangers of the Apollo moon flights, with much time devoted to the launch-pad fire that killed three astronauts on the ground. There is also Buzz Aldrin's revelation that he urinated inside his space suit on worldwide TV before stepping on the moon.
- Families can talk about the documentary's assertion that the American space program somehow transcended its Cold War goal to outdo the Soviets, becoming a more meaningful enterprise. What does the idea of a successful moon landing mean to you? What lessons do you get from the cool-headed "right stuff" attitude of the pilots? The astronauts allude at the end, briefly, to conspiracy theories that the Apollo moon landing was a hoax filmed on a movie set. Why do you think people would believe that?
The good stuff
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Messages: The courage, bravery, and potential sacrifice of the Air Force fighter pilots-turned-lunar astronauts and their ground crews is a big topic. Singled out for particular awe is Neil Armstrong's ability to keep a cool head in extreme circumstances. Some astronauts speak of their "born again" religious reactions to setting foot on the moon. Others seem to embrace eco-enlightenment.
What to watch for
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Violence: News footage of aircraft crashes, bombing, and combat in Vietnam.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Some "damn"-level cursing and a discussion of urination.
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Consumerism: Vintage clips include commercial sponsors who glommed onto the Apollo program, like Miracle Whip.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some smoking.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
In the shadow of the moon by sbm
Superb documentary which captures, through in-depth interviews with Apollo astronauts as well as with rarely-seen NASA footage, what it felt like to be on the moon and to be part of the space program in the 60's and early 70's. A must see for anyone interested in this fascinating period of our history. Extraordinarily well done and memorable.
5
Movies that make us better! by Movies_that_inspire
Movies, in my opinion, offer more than just entertainment, they offer us a chance to reflect, think, and in some cases grow. This can only be realized when great film makers - like Ron Howard - inspire us through their art. I am taking many dads and their kids to see this film. From the trailers, I can see that this film will be a discussion topic between my son and I for some time. This was more than just about going to the moon. It was proof that collectively mankind could achieve the insurmontable. A lesson we could apply to many issues today.
Update: Just saw the movie. Exceeded all expectation! I highly reccomend this movie.
5
Facinating history and insight by etubrutus
From the vantage point of 2007, it's hard to believe there was a time when people around the globe saw the U.S. as a force for good. But the story of the space program is a remarkable tale of how presidential leadership and vision, and technological drive and ingenuity came together magically. In telling the story of the Apollo prgram --and in particular Apollo 13--the director brings us face to face with the astronauts as real people as they reflect on their experience and its larger meaning. As a documentary, it is both gripping and inspiring to watch.
5
One For The Ages... by JettScreamer
...Arthur C Clarke, the author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, once said something to the affect that "a million years from now, the only thing that our generation will be remembered for, was that we humans left earth for the moon for the first time." In a nutshell - Project Apollo.
If there is any truth to that idea, then "In The Shadow Of The Moon" will be THE documentary to tell that story. Along side "For All Mankind", this is one for the ages.
5
Shadow is brilliant by Cylon penguin
Excellent piece of filmaking. Enjoyed it very much. The clips of tv reports and the film shot while on the moon is as cyrstal clear as if it was shot yesterday. Oddly strange to see the sixties in this way, it almost looks (dare I say) faked...but then again, people have been saying all along that the moon landings were faked. See the answer for yourself, it will clear up any doubts you might still have- that is if you are a conspiracy theorist!
5
Spacing Out Never Felt So Good! by Cineplexed
When was the last time you remember a single positive human achievement captivating and uniting (at least in awe) the whole world?
I watched this film like a little kid with his jaw agape.
Hopefully you will too. Enjoy.