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A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
Critic Consensus
First Man receives a broadly positive reception, with most critics lauding Damien Chazelle's direction and Ryan Gosling's restrained, internalized performance as Neil Armstrong. The film is frequently praised for its craftsmanship and its intimate, character-driven approach to depicting a monumental historical event. The most common criticism is that the film is slow and overly solemn in stretches, and at least one critic felt the focus on Armstrong's personal relationships left the moon mission itself feeling secondary and underdramatic.
9 rated reviews · 9 positive
AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyCritic Reviews (10)
Updated“The overall result, despite being somewhat stodgy and purposefully solemn in parts, is a gritty, real, revelatory tale bracketed within a larger canvas that dovetails into its wide but coherent expanse a decade of US space missions and a multiplicity of narrative strands. Well served by a lead actor who allows the subject to subsume his starry personality, First Man has the craft and the class to be a befitting tribute to one of the most monumental moments in the history of space exploration.”Read full review ↗
“It's Ryan Gosling himself whom Neil Armstrong may have approved of. Gosling also efficiently navigates the various roles expected of him.”Read full review ↗
“Some films stay with you for eternity. This one transports you to the moon and back and is as special and introspective as the man it intricately studies but rarely reveres. Brilliantly crafted and hypnotic from beginning to end, First Man is a stunning piece of work that leaves you thinking about it, way after it's over.”Read full review ↗
“Ryan Gosling takes one giant leap towards an Oscar in Damien Chazelle's Neil Armstrong biopic...First Man movie review: Ryan Gosling and Damien Chazelle reunite after La La Land for one of the most thrilling films of the year. Expect Oscars from this Neil Armstrong biopic.”Read full review ↗
“A masterclass in restrained filmmaking that should not be missed.”Read full review ↗
“A Powerful, Masterfully Crafted Biopic That Dissects The Man On The Moon There's much to appreciate about the way director Damien Chazelle magnifies the journey of Neil Armstrong – a man who finds solace in telescopic emotions”Read full review ↗
“Since the film focuses mainly on Neil's family relationships, the moon mission feels secondary, and therefore it lacks lot of drama.”Read full review ↗
“A slow, immersive character-driven film...Ryan Gosling gives a compelling performance as he slips into the shoes of the enigmatic and dispassionate Neil A. Armstrong”Read full review ↗
“A giant Oscar-worthy leap for Damien Chazelle...”Read full review ↗
Cast & Crew
Cast
Director
Screenplay
Music
Cinematography
Editing
Details
- Release Date
- 12 October 2018
- Runtime
- 2h 21m
- Language
- English
User Ratings & Reviews
1 rating · 1 with a written review
Community Reviews (1)
It's not a movie made for the sole purpose of glorification or certification of the moon landing. It's meant to showcase Neil Armstrong and his life, and it does so extremely well. A well made and brilliantly acted thrilling drama.














