Watch Gagarin: First Man in Space

Gagarin: First Man in Space is a biographical drama detailing the life and accomplishments of Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space. The film primarily focuses on Gagarin's early life in the small Russian village of Klushino and follows his journey as a fighter pilot during World War II up through his training and eventual launch into orbit.

Spanning across two hours, the movie begins with a brief introduction of Yuri's childhood and his family's struggles during World War II before delving into his time serving in the military. The young Gagarin is portrayed as a brave and enthusiastic soldier, but his desire to fly soon leads him down a different path.

As Yuri becomes more fascinated with flight, he eventually earns a spot in the Soviet Union's cosmonaut program. The film depicts his intense training regimen and the intense competition between other aspiring cosmonauts who are all vying for a chance to be the first human in space.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it balances these tense moments with more quiet, reflective scenes that offer glimpses into Gagarin's personal life. These moments make up some of the most memorable parts of the film, as it's here that Yuri's character really comes to life. Through moments that are almost mundane, we get to know the man behind the legend: his love for his wife and kids, his passion for food, and his endless optimism.

Of course, the movie isn't just focused on Gagarin's personal life. As the film's title suggests, the vast majority of the story revolves around Yuri's historic mission into space. Through both live-action sequences and archival footage, the filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the awe and reverence that surrounded Yuri's journey.

Viewers are taken on a journey through the day leading up to the launch, the tense moments surrounding the actual takeoff, and the peaceful, weightless moments Yuri experienced once he was in orbit. The movie also takes time to explore the significance of Yuri's accomplishment, both for the Soviet Union and for space exploration in general.

Throughout the film, the actors all do a fantastic job of bringing their characters to life. Yaroslav Zhalnin is especially impressive as Yuri, bringing a sense of determination and gravitas to the role that helps us understand how he was able to accomplish such a monumental feat. Oksana Fandera, who plays Yuri's wife, Valentina, is also outstanding, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been relegated to a background role.

One of the most impressive things about the movie is how well it balances the various tones of the story. There are moments of suspense and drama, moments of reflection and introspection, and moments of pure joy and exhilaration. The filmmakers make it all work together seamlessly, crafting a cinematic experience that is both engaging and emotionally satisfying.

Overall, Gagarin: First Man in Space is a beautifully crafted biopic that does justice to the incredible story of Yuri Gagarin. It's a movie that will appeal to anyone with an interest in space exploration, as well as to those who appreciate a well-told story about a remarkable individual. Whether you're watching it for the first time or revisiting it years later, this movie is a must-see.