Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole sky.|Feb. 19, 1999|United States|108 Min.|PG
Genre: Drama;Family
Description: **October Sky (1999)**
**StoryLine:**
In October 1957, the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 captivates the small town of Coalwood, West Virginia, where most men work in the coal mines. Witnessing the satellite’s orbit, young Homer Hickam becomes inspired to build rockets as a way to escape the town’s predictable future. Despite skepticism from his family and classmates, especially his father John, who oversees the mines and expects Homer to follow in his footsteps, Homer persists.
With the help of his math-savvy friend Quentin Wilson, along with peers Roy Lee Cooke and Sherman O’Dell, and encouragement from their teacher Miss Freida J. Riley, the group begins constructing rockets. After initial failures, they refine their designs and eventually achieve success. However, their accomplishments are overshadowed when they are falsely accused of causing a wildfire with a stray rocket, leading to their arrest.
Amid personal struggles, including Roy Lee’s abusive stepfather and a tragic mining accident that injures Homer’s father and claims the life of a supportive mine worker, Homer temporarily leaves school to support his family. Eventually, Miss Riley inspires Homer to return to his passion. By studying rocket science, he and Quentin prove their innocence and reignite their pursuit of rocketry.
Their determination leads them to win the school science fair, earning Homer the chance to compete at the National Science Fair in Indianapolis. The film highlights themes of perseverance, ambition, and the power of dreams to transcend life’s challenges.
Cast director: Joe Johnston
Cast actor: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Laura Dern, Natalie Canerday, Elya Baskin, Chris Ellis, Scott Miles
Original name: October Sky