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First Man is a 2018 biographical drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling as astronaut Neil Armstrong. The film is based on the 2005 book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen. The movie is a retelling of the story of the United States' mission to put a man on the moon, with a focus on Armstrong's legendary mission as commander of the Apollo 11 mission. It explores Armstrong's personal and professional life, including his relationship with his family, his work as a test pilot, and his time at NASA.

The film is set in the 1960s and depicts the intense competition between the US and the Soviet Union in the space race. The story follows Armstrong as he navigates the challenges of becoming an astronaut, both physically and emotionally. The film shows the dedication and determination of Armstrong and his colleagues, as well as the toll that the dangerous work took on their personal lives.

One of the key themes of the movie is the impact that the space program had on the families of the astronauts. The film explores the emotional toll of the job on Armstrong and his wife, Janet (Claire Foy), as well as the families of the other astronauts involved in the Apollo program. It also delves into the grief and loss that these families experienced when astronauts were killed in training accidents or missions.

The movie also pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of the engineers and technicians who made the space program possible. It shows the painstaking preparations that went into designing and testing the spacecraft, often at great risk to the people involved. It also depicts the many setbacks that occurred during the program, and how the space agency and its employees overcame these challenges to achieve the goal of putting a man on the moon.

The climax of the film is, of course, the Apollo 11 mission itself. Chazelle and his team do an excellent job of recreating the event, with stunning visuals that showcase the majesty of space and the skill of the astronauts. The film accurately portrays the tension and drama of the landing, as well as the sense of accomplishment and relief that Armstrong and his crewmates felt when they returned to Earth.

Overall, First Man is a moving and inspiring film that pays tribute to the courage and perseverance of the people involved in the space program. It is an excellent character study of Neil Armstrong, showing both his strengths and his flaws as a person. The film is grounded in reality, with a focus on accuracy and authenticity in both the story and the visuals. It is a must-see for anyone interested in space exploration or the history of the United States' space program.