The Martian (2015)

"The Martian" is a riveting sci-fi movie about an astronaut who gets left behind on Mars. Forced to rely on his scientific knowledge to survive, the story unfolds in an unrelenting manner that keeps the tension high throughout the film.

The movie is a marvel in three ways. Firstly, the suspense never wanes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Secondly, its cinematographic magic is truly a sight to behold, especially in 4K UHD, where the visuals are unbelievably brilliant. Lastly, the film prides itself on its scientific accuracy, with only a few minor deviations noted by Andy Weir, the author of the original book which the movie is based on.

One such deviation is the sandstorm at the beginning of the movie. Mars does indeed experience winds of up to 150 km/h, but due to its thin atmosphere, the force behind these winds is gentle, more akin to a slight breeze rather than a destructive force capable of causing damage. Weir was aware of this when writing the book, but decided to tweak reality for the sake of adding an exciting man-versus-nature element to the story.

Another inaccuracy comes from our ever-evolving knowledge about Mars. Since the book was written, we have discovered that Mars' soil contains more water than initially suspected - approximately 35 litres per cubic meter as ice. As such, the dangerous hydrazine reduction process depicted in the movie would not have been necessary.

Further, the movie does not fully address the issue of radiation in space. On Earth, we are protected by the magnetosphere and our thick atmosphere, but Mars lacks these protections. Consequently, an extended stay on Mars would result in a serious dose of radiation, potentially leading to cancer.

Weir's calculations of the orbital trajectories from Earth to Mars are accurate. However, for added comedic effect, the movie extended the crew's stay on Mars. In the book, the crew departs after sol six, but in the movie, they leave after sol 18, allowing for a humorous side plot involving the creation of fertilizer.

Despite these minor inaccuracies, "The Martian" is an action-packed visual spectacle that manages to maintain a high degree of scientific accuracy. This balance is an impressive achievement, making the movie a must-watch for science and cinema enthusiasts alike.



You should not watch The Martian if...

• You are not interested in science fiction or space exploration themes
• You are uncomfortable with scenes of human injury or survival challenges
• You prefer movies with multiple characters and interpersonal interactions, as this film primarily focuses on one character's solitude
• You prefer more action and less dialogue
• The movie may not be suited for children under the age of 12 due to some intense situations and mild swear words

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "The Martian?"You mean to tell me, we can put a man on Mars, grow potatoes in space using... well, let's not go into that... but we can't get a decent cell phone signal in a New York City subway?

I mean, Matt Damon's stranded on another planet and he's got better tech support than I do when my cable goes out. And I think his internet is faster than mine, too!

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Interstellar (2014)

If you loved The Martian, you'll likely enjoy Interstellar. This movie is also about space exploration and survival, with added themes on the future of humanity. Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar boasts a strong cast including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain. The film is critically acclaimed for its storyline, visuals, and theoretical accuracy.

Gravity (2013)

Another film that explores space survival is Gravity. Alfonso Cuarón directs this thrilling drama, which stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It is renowned for its visual effects, displaying director Cuaron's signature long-take style. The film evenly balances intense action sequences with calmer, more introspective moments, offering an engaging watch that should appeal to fans of The Martian.

Moon (2009):

This thought-provoking film directed by Duncan Jones stars Sam Rockwell and is set on the moon. It combines elements of science fiction and psychological drama to deliver a fascinating and unique story. Like The Martian, Moon benefits from a strong central performance from Rockwell and shares similar themes of isolation and perseverance.

Ad Astra (2019):

Directed by James Gray and starring Brad Pitt, Ad Astra shares themes of space exploration and survival with The Martian. The film, however, delves more into the psychological aspects of the journey, creating an introspective and existential atmosphere. The beautiful cinematography and Pitt's captivating performance would be quite interesting for fans of The Martian.

Sunshine (2007):

This Danny Boyle directed movie offers another intriguing and visually stunning trip into space. The film conveys a gripping narrative about a desperate mission to reignite the sun. Like The Martian, Sunshine combines thrilling action moments with heart-wrenching drama and provides a realistic portrayal of life in space.

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