Failure Is Not an Option
Failure Is Not an Option

Movie spotlight

Failure Is Not an Option

2003
Movie
90 min
English

The Space Race comes alive through the eyes of the ultimate insider - retired NASA Mission Control Flight Director Gene Kranz. A history of the U.S. manned space program from Mercury to Apollo 17, as seen by the men of Mission Control.

Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users92%
Director: Robert ZemeckisGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the harrowing journey of the Apollo 13 mission, a spacecraft that suffered a critical malfunction en route to the moon. It focuses on the ingenuity and resilience of the NASA team on the ground and the astronauts in space as they worked together to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and bring the crew home safely. The film highlights the intense pressure, the collaborative problem-solving, and the sheer determination that defined the mission's successful, albeit unplanned, outcome.

Critical Reception

Failure Is Not an Option was widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling, historical accuracy, and compelling interviews. Critics lauded its ability to capture the tension and triumph of the Apollo 13 mission, praising its in-depth look at the engineering challenges and the human element of the crisis. Audiences were equally moved by the documentary's inspiring message of perseverance and teamwork.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and thoroughly engaging account of the Apollo 13 crisis.

  • Celebrates the 'can-do' spirit and brilliance of NASA engineers and astronauts.

  • Offers a profound look at human ingenuity under extreme pressure.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the documentary for its inspiring narrative and factual accuracy. Many highlighted the palpable tension and the remarkable problem-solving skills displayed by the NASA team. The film's focus on teamwork and resilience resonated strongly with viewers, who found it both educational and emotionally impactful.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Non-fiction Special.

Fun Fact

The documentary heavily features interviews with many of the key personnel involved in the Apollo 13 mission, including flight director Gene Kranz and CAPCOM Jerry Bostick, providing firsthand accounts of the crisis.

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