The First Man (12A)

Everyone knows who Neil Armstrong was. And why he has such a place in history. But nobody really knows much about Neil Armstrong the man himself. Not least because the first man to step on the moon was a very private individual. This biopic covers the decade before the Apollo 11 mission. During which time Neil Armstrong flew many different craft, often coming very close to catastrophe in some primitive and dangerous experimental machines. When he suffered personal loss. And when he became part of a mission that kept the whole world spellbound.  Ryan Gosling is a fascinating watch as Armstrong in all his intensity. Claire Foy also stands out as his under-pressure wife Janet manning the home front.

And even though you know how the sequence will go, the lunar landing ends up being one of the most tense bits of cinema you will ever see. This is a portrayal - fantastic on the big screen - of one remarkable man who was at the centre of one remarkable achievement, and it brings it all to life in a manner you will never forget.