Il tempo dei primi - Spacewalker

The movie has it all: amazing story based on real events, charismatic actors, a lot of emotions, nice comedy moments and great filming. This movie shows again that you don't need explosions or a lot of action to make a movie thrilling. Also this is not about the USSR and its space achievements, although as a Russian I did fell somehow proud watching it. It is about 2 strong willed men, who were following their dreams and have not given up. So don't be afraid of political propaganda :)

First of all, I will admit that I do not watch many Russian movies. However, I heard about this one and sought it out. It was a good decision because it is a really well made and very interesting look at the side of the space race that is rarely covered in the West.

It's superbly shot, very well acted and the effects, where used, are top-notch. It is said to be a pretty accurate telling of the story and every bit as compelling as Apollo 13, as the crew had to overcome quite a few problems during their flight and when they got back down to Earth.

The leads all play their parts really well and there really isn't a lot of propaganda tub-thumping. It's just a great story about some very intrepid, brave cosmonauts.

It really is worth seeking out and watching!

I liked watching this movie maybe even more than watching "The Right Stuff". Probably because it tells the story of the Sovjet efforts of the space race. Throughout the movie I couldn't help thinking it was an American movie as there was a continuous criticism towards the Sovjet era. Some can be explained by the changed political system, but still.... And is it so much different now? Maybe it just proves that we were always right when trying to imagine how life was there. Or the film is just intended to be watched by the Western world and they like to confirm many of the clichés.

But I'm glad this film is made. A lot of movies are made on the American efforts when in fact the Sovjets won all battles except the ultimate one (putting a man on the moon). Interesting too how both sides solved the problems in different ways. All top German scientists fled to the US and still the Russians were able to win the most battles.

Depending on the definition there are more than a hundred. Find a portrait (ca. 1965) of the first eleven. You will doubtless notice Valentina Tereshkova and should read more about Vladimir Komarov, but unless you truly are a student of manned spaceflight only two names should come to mind: Yuri Gagarin and Alexei Leonov. This movie is Leonov's tale.

I don't view movies like this for their accuracy or dramatic license, while documentaries can only be what they are. (After decades books on the subject only improve on the pertinent tale.) This movie is very well made, paced and acted. (Subtitles never distract me, and it's the first Russian movie I've viewed in quite the while.) Whether you feel compelled to compare it with, say, Apollo 13 or First Man, it is nonetheless another view that you should at least tacitly consent as valid while it strives to entertain, as all movies should but not all manage.

If Leonov comes across as larger than life, the man in real life had every right to be so regarded. He was both a fighter and test pilot AND an artist, and it is no exaggeration to say he was welcomed everywhere. Honor his memory for these reasons as well.

We should also fully keep in mind that when Out There becomes Our Big Backyard (as apparently planned) we should not remember the names of Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos for leading the way but learn and remember the names and backgrounds of, and perhaps emulate, the human travelers who challenge, explore, discover and survive while facing the very great risk of not returning. That risk shall ever be so.

(As for books, I highly recommend those of the Outward Odyssey: A People's History of Spaceflight series published by the University of Nebraska Press.)

A beautiful film, a great story, what a bit pompous and propagandistic, but those were the times. I think it was also perfectly conveyed.