The Martian (2015)

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Story: ★★★★★

Inspiration: ★★★★★

Photography: ★★★★★

Verdict: a fantastic survival film set on Mars, this should definitely be on your list to watch!

Perhaps one of our favourite films, "The Martian," directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2015, captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of survival and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.

 

Based on Andy Weir's 2011 novel of the same name, the film follows astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, who is presumed dead and left behind on Mars after a fierce storm forces his crew to evacuate the planet. Stranded alone with limited supplies and no means of communication, Watney must utilise his ingenuity and scientific expertise to find a way to survive on the hostile planet while awaiting rescue.

 

The film expertly balances moments of tension with humour, as Watney employs his resourcefulness to grow food, generate water, and repair equipment in his desperate bid for survival. Meanwhile, back on Earth, NASA discovers Watney is alive and launches a daring rescue mission, with the entire world watching anxiously. "The Martian" not only showcases the power of human determination and innovation but also explores themes of isolation, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit.

 

With stunning visuals, a compelling narrative, and an exceptional performance by Matt Damon, "The Martian" stands as a testament to the triumph of the human intellect and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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The Martian (2015)
The Martian (2015)

Perhaps one of our favourite films, "The Martian," directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2015, captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of survival and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.

Based on Andy Weir's 2011 novel of the same name, the film follows astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, who is presumed dead and left behind on Mars after a fierce storm forces his crew to evacuate the planet. Stranded alone with limited supplies and no means of communication, Watney must utilise his ingenuity and scientific expertise to find a way to survive on the hostile planet while awaiting rescue.

Nyad (2023)
Nyad (2023)

"Nyad" is a fascinating biopic that follows the life of Diana Nyad (played by Annette Bening), a record-breaking long-distance swimmer as she tackles a long-held ultra-swimming goal.

At the age of 60, she embarks on a mission to swim nonstop from Cuba to Florida, a challenge that had defeated her in her younger years.

The film explores Diana's mythic roots and portrays her as a valiant warrior willing to endure the most extreme physical and mental challenges, which is bought to life by her excellent TED talks that you can find on YouTube.

Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo (2018)

A visually staggering piece (as you would expect from Jimmy Chin), ‘Free Solo’ captures Honnold's attempt to free solo El Capitan, a 3,000-foot wall in Yosemite Valley. It prompts reflections on the psychological motivations behind his extraordinary feats, touching upon his comparison of mental intensity to that of a samurai. The documentary doesn't shy away from exploring the ethical dilemmas faced by the camera people filming Honnold's climb, pondering the potential witnessing of a catastrophe and its filming repercussions, adding a layer of suspense and ethical questioning to the narrative.

Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author: Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a website design and branding studio that works with brands all over the world, a former Royal Marines officer and former risk advisor to the BBC.

Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities!

https://www.hiatus.design
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Nyad (2023)