A Million Miles Away

A Million Miles Away

Year: 2014

Runtime: 28 mins

Language: English

Director: Jennifer Reeder

DramaComedy

A woman struggling with her career and a group of teenage choir members find themselves experiencing a supernatural coming-of-age. The story explores their intertwined journeys with a blend of tension and tenderness. As their lives intersect, an 80s heavy metal anthem is reimagined as a poignant lament, driving the narrative forward.

Hopeful
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – A Million Miles Away (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Million Miles Away (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s–2009

The narrative covers several decades, starting in the late 1960s when José’s family migrates, through his university years and scientific career, to his NASA astronaut selection in 2008 and a Shuttle mission around 2009. It mirrors evolving eras in immigration, education, and space exploration, ending with his return from space and ongoing work in rural California.

Location

Michoacán, Mexico, California, United States, Stockton, California, Livermore, California, United States, Russia, International Space Station

The story moves from migrant camps in California’s Central Valley to university and national lab settings in California. It begins with José’s family leaving Michoacán and working the grape harvest, then follows his shift to full-time life in California to pursue education. The journey spans Stockton and Livermore as he studies and works, travels to Russia for a uranium purchase evaluation, and ultimately journeys into space aboard the Space Shuttle and visits the International Space Station.

🌾 Farm life 🇲🇽 Mexican roots 🎓 Education 🚀 Space program 🧭 Migration

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:50

Main Characters – A Million Miles Away (2014)

Meet the key characters of A Million Miles Away (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

José Hernández

A migrant farmworker who rises from California grape fields to become a NASA astronaut. His journey is defined by perseverance, curiosity, and a deep commitment to his family and community. He uses education as a pathway out of poverty while remaining grounded in his roots.

🌾 Migrant roots 🎯 Ambition 🇲🇽 Mexican heritage

Adela

José’s wife, a supportive partner who anchors the family through his demanding career. She balances family life with the realities of new opportunities and the impact of his career on their children. Her belief in him sustains his drive.

👪 Family 💪 Supportive partner 🏞️ California life

Ms. Young

José’s teacher who sees his potential and champions his education. Her persistence highlights the importance of mentorship and encouragement in overcoming barriers. Her faith in his abilities echoes throughout his career.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 📚 Education 🌟 Mentorship

Beto

José’s cousin and close friend whose death becomes a catalyst for renewed focus and determination. His memory inspires José to pursue opportunities beyond the fields. The loss underscores the fragility of life and the weight of family ties.

💔 Loss 👨‍👩‍👧 Family ties 🎗️ Motivation

Frederick Sturckow

The veteran trainer who pushes José to catch up with his peers. He embodies discipline and practical realism, shaping José’s readiness for the Space Shuttle program. His mentorship reinforces the idea that hard work earns opportunity.

🎖️ Mentor 🚀 NASA 💪 Challenge

Kalpana Chawla

A renowned astronaut serving as a head trainer who articulates the value of space exploration. She inspires José with stories of perseverance and demonstrates how science can elevate lives beyond personal circumstances. Her role underscores mentorship, courage, and achievement.

🧠 Inspiration 🪐 Space pioneer 🎓 Education

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:50

Major Themes – A Million Miles Away (2014)

Explore the central themes of A Million Miles Away (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚀 Aspiration

A migrant farmworker’s son dares to dream beyond the fields, channeling curiosity into disciplined study. The film traces the persistence needed to translate a humble background into elite technical work. It highlights the moment when opportunity intersects preparation.

🌾 Migration

Family, relocation, and the pull of roots drive the protagonist’s path. The story intertwines labor, community, and identity, showing how migrant life shapes values and resilience. It emphasizes how land and family provide both constraint and motivation.

🎓 Education

Education becomes the vehicle for transcendence, with mentors recognizing talent and opening doors. The film celebrates teachers and programs that nurture underrepresented students. It presents learning as a bridge from migrant work to scientific discovery.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:50

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Inspiring True Stories Like A Million Miles Away

Journeys of extraordinary real-life figures overcoming immense obstacles to fulfill a dream.If you enjoyed the triumphant true story of A Million Miles Away, explore more movies like it. This collection features biographical dramas about real people achieving incredible dreams against all odds, filled with perseverance, sacrifice, and uplifting conclusions.

inspiringperseveringdeterminedearnesttriumphantmotivationalrooting for the underdog

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a linear, chronological path from humble beginnings through a series of setbacks and hard-won lessons, leading to a final, significant achievement. The conflict is often external—societal limitations, educational hurdles, or personal tragedies—serving to highlight the protagonist's internal resilience and determination.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared foundation in real-life inspiration, a steady, earnest pacing that allows the weight of the journey to build, and a dominant hopeful tone that makes even the struggles feel purposeful on the road to a happy, fulfilling ending.

Earnest Underdog Stories Similar to A Million Miles Away

Character-driven stories where dedication and heart lead to personal victory.Find more movies with the same determined spirit as A Million Miles Away. These films share a focus on hopeful journeys, personal perseverance, and emotional payoff. If you liked watching José's relentless pursuit of his dream, you'll find similar heartfelt stories here.

hopefulperseveringupliftingdeterminedearnestreflectiverooting for the underdog

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc is a gradual ascent, marked by small victories and instructive failures. The central theme is the development of character and skill over time. While the goal is clear, the focus remains on the day-to-day struggles and the support systems—like family and mentors—that make the ultimate success possible.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific emotional mix: a medium emotional weight that acknowledges struggle without being bleak, a steady, character-focused pacing, and a core feeling of hopefulness that makes the viewer invested in the protagonist's earnest efforts from start to finish.

Unlock the Full Story of A Million Miles Away

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Million Miles Away in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Million Miles Away is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Million Miles Away Summary

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A Million Miles Away Summary

A Million Miles Away Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Million Miles Away with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Million Miles Away Timeline

A Million Miles Away Spoiler-Free Summary

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A Million Miles Away Spoiler-Free Summary

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