Movie Review: A Million Miles Away

Imagine a world where dreams are like faraway stars, shimmering on the horizon and daring you to reach for them. A Million Miles Away, a biographical film chronicling José M. Hernández’s extraordinary journey from a migrant farmworker to a NASA astronaut, is a testament to the power of unshakable determination. Directed with heart and nuance, this film doesn’t just narrate a story—it stirs the soul.

From the very first scenes, the movie takes us into the sun-drenched fields of California, where young José labours alongside his family. The earthy scent of soil and sweat hangs in the air, and rows of ripe crops stretch endlessly. Yet, even within this harsh reality, the expansive sky whispers of something greater. It’s under this vast canvas that José’s dreams of space take root—dreams that seem as unreachable as the stars he gazes at every night.

Determination Under the Stars

The movie’s tone is a heartfelt blend of grit and hope. Through its rich visuals and evocative storytelling, A Million Miles Away brings to life emotions of struggle, resilience, and triumph without overexplaining. When José looks up at the night sky, the silence speaks volumes, reflecting the boundless potential within each of us.

The story strikes a chord with anyone who has ever faced insurmountable odds. José’s life is a symphony of contrasts: the hum of tractors during the day and the hum of his thoughts at night, where dreams of rocket engines begin to take shape. The film doesn’t merely ask you to watch—it dares you to feel.

José’s Father’s Four-Point Formula for Success

At the heart of this cinematic gem lies a treasure of wisdom: José’s father’s four-point formula for success. Delivered with simplicity and depth, these steps guide José’s journey and resonate with universal truths for anyone striving for greatness:

1. Decide What You Want to Be
   José’s dream of becoming an astronaut is planted like a seed, nurtured by curiosity and wonder. His father emphasizes the importance of clarity—knowing your destination is like setting coordinates for a rocket. Without it, the stars remain out of reach.
2. Identify the Tools You’ll Need
   The film portrays José’s relentless pursuit of education. From mastering English to excelling academically, he collects tools like a craftsman preparing for a masterpiece. This stage reminds us that preparation bridges ambition and achievement.
3. Draw a Roadmap and Set Deadlines
   One of the movie’s standout moments shows José meticulously charting his goals. His roadmap includes college, advanced degrees, and meeting NASA’s demanding requirements. Each milestone becomes a stepping stone, proving that dreams without plans are mere wishes.
4. Work Hard and Persevere
   If the movie has a heartbeat, it’s perseverance. José faces rejection after rejection—11 times, to be exact—before finally being accepted into NASA’s astronaut program. Each “no” strengthens his resolve, illustrating that failure isn’t the opposite of success but a vital part of it.

Dreams Are Like Stars

Watching A Million Miles Away feels like standing in the middle of a vast desert under a starlit sky. At first glance, the stars seem distant and cold, just like dreams. But the film reminds us that, like stars, dreams burn with immense intensity, guiding us even in the darkest moments.

When José steps into NASA’s training program, it feels as though he’s entering an entirely new world—one he had only envisioned in his imagination. The hum of machinery, the sterile scent of laboratories, the gravity-defying simulations—all are depicted with vivid detail, pulling you into the moment and making you hold your breath alongside him.

Turning Struggles into Strength

The movie delivers a powerful message about transforming challenges into fuel. José’s migrant background, once seen as a barrier, becomes his greatest strength. The resilience he developed in the fields equips him to meet NASA’s rigorous demands head-on. His story is a testament to the idea that struggles aren’t chains but chisels, shaping the masterpieces within us.

The film also highlights the importance of José’s family as his anchor. His wife, Adela, emerges as an unsung hero, embodying quiet strength and sacrifice. Like the gravity tethering an astronaut to Earth, she grounds José while encouraging his ascent.

Failure as a Launchpad

To say José Hernández defied the odds is an understatement of cosmic proportions. Failure wasn’t a setback for him—it was the launchpad that propelled him higher. When NASA’s rejection letters arrived, he didn’t crumble; he recalibrated. His journey serves as a powerful lesson in resilience, showing us that every “no” is just fuel for the next rocket.

The Rhythm of Dreams

The movie’s most exhilarating moments, like the launch sequence, are brimming with sound. The whoosh of engines, the beep of control panels, and the thump of José’s heartbeat immerse you in the action. Meanwhile, the film’s use of alliteration etches memorable lines into your mind, such as “persist through pain to pave your path.”

Motivational Takeaway: From Earth to the Stars

As the credits roll, A Million Miles Away leaves you with a profound sense of awe. José’s story proves that dreams aren’t confined by circumstances and that even a migrant worker can reach for the stars with enough perseverance.

We all have our “outer space” dreams—goals that seem impossibly distant. José’s journey reminds us that success isn’t about where you begin but about how relentlessly you pursue the finish line. His father’s formula—decide, prepare, plan, and work hard—offers a universal blueprint for achieving any goal.

So take that first step. Chart your roadmap. Gather your tools. Work hard. And when life says “no,” remember José, who turned every rejection into rocket fuel. As he says, “You just have to believe in your dream and take one step closer to it every day.”

“Dreams may be a million miles away, but with grit and determination, even the farthest stars can be reached.”

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani), 
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others.