The year is 1985, the Soviet Union is engaged in a race with America to see which nation will conquer space first. The pride of the Russian space programme is the Salyut Station, on the 11th February 1985, the station loses connection with ground control and begins to fall from orbit.
If the Russian's cannot regain control of Salyut-7 they risk it crashing into a densely populated part of the planet. Or worse, being captured by the U.S. Space Shuttle during its fall back to earth. What happens next has been described as the world's most technically challenging repair mission. Cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh are given the mission to dock with Salyut 7 and bring it back to life. Based on actual events, this incredible movie transitions between the drama in the darkness of space and back on earth.
It's worth pointing out that the movie is subtitled. However, don't let that put you off! The dialogue in the film isn't overly clunky. You won't have to worry about keeping up with the subtitles and simultaneously watching the action. In fact, the Russian language adds a layer of authenticity to the movie.
Made on a shoestring budget ($6m) when compared to Hollywood blockbusters like Gravity ($100m) and Interstellar ($165m), Salyut 7 is an astounding achievement from Director Klim Shipenko. Along with the main feature you can also watch a short documentary on the making of the film. I highly recommend this, but don't watch it until you've seen the movie.
