Release: 2015-09-30
Runtime: 2h 21m (141 minutes)
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
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Genres: Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Cast: Matt Damon, Naomi Scott, Mackenzie Davis, more
Matt Damon
as Mark Watney
Naomi Scott
as Ryoko (uncredited)
Mackenzie Davis
as Mindy Park
Sean Bean
as Mitch Henderson
Sebastian Stan
as Chris Beck
Kate Mara
as Beth Johanssen
Chiwetel Ejiofor
as Vincent Kapoor
Jessica Chastain
as Melissa Lewis
Kristen Wiig
as Annie Montrose
Benedict Wong
as Bruce Ng
Michael Peña
as Rick Martinez
Jeff Daniels
as Teddy Sanders
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Bring him home
The Martian is a 2015 science fiction movie directed by Ridley Scott and features Matt Damon in the lead role. The screenplay, adapted by Drew Goddard, is based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir. The movie also stars Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film tells the gripping story of an astronaut who must survive on Mars after being mistakenly left behind by his crew, while NASA works tirelessly to bring him back home.
Produced by 20th Century Fox, the project began its journey when Simon Kinberg secured the rights to Weir's novel in March 2013. Initially, Goddard was slated to direct but was later replaced by Scott, leading to a quick progression in production. Filming took place in Budapest, Hungary, where an extensive set was created, and also included outdoor scenes shot in Wadi Rum, Jordan, known for its stunning desert landscapes.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2015, followed by releases in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2015 and in the United States on 2 October 2015. Upon release, it received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and the performances of its cast, particularly Damon, who portrayed the resourceful and humorous astronaut, Mark Watney.
Plot Overview: Set in 2035, the Ares III mission is exploring Mars when a violent dust storm forces an emergency evacuation. During the chaos, astronaut Mark Watney is injured and left behind, presumed dead. However, he survives and begins documenting his experiences through a series of video logs. Facing limited resources and the challenge of sustaining himself, Watney uses his skills as a botanist to grow potatoes in the habitat module, creating a makeshift farm using Martian soil and human waste as fertilizer.
On Earth, NASA discovers that Watney is alive after analyzing satellite images. This revelation leads to a race against time, as they devise a plan to rescue him before the next Mars mission can arrive. Meanwhile, Watney successfully manages to communicate with NASA using the ancient Pathfinder probe, providing hope for his eventual rescue.
The climax of the film unfolds as Watney embarks on a perilous journey across Mars to reach the Ares IV MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) that has been pre-positioned for a future mission. As he navigates the harsh Martian landscape, he faces numerous obstacles but remains determined to survive and return home.
Critical Reception: Upon its release, The Martian was a box office success, generating over $630 million globally against a production budget of $108 million. It achieved accolades at various award shows, including seven nominations for the 88th Academy Awards, showcasing its impact on both audiences and critics alike.
Conclusion: The Martian stands out not only as a thrilling science fiction film but also as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Its blend of humor and heartwarming moments, combined with a gripping survival story, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
The film's success lies in its ability to engage audiences with a realistic portrayal of space exploration while also delivering an inspiring message about the power of determination and teamwork.
