Watch When We Were Apollo

When We Were Apollo is a heartfelt documentary that delves into the rich history and incredible perseverance of the men and women who helped put the first man on the moon. The film blends together first-hand accounts, archival footage, and stunning visual effects to create a stirring tribute to the bravery, ingenuity, and patriotism of the Apollo program pioneers.

Directed by Zachary Weil, When We Were Apollo weaves together interviews with dozens of the engineers, technicians, pilots, and journalists who played a key role in the early days of the space race. Among the most compelling voices are Bill Chandler, a Saturn V engineer who worked tirelessly to ensure the massive rocket's success, John Tribe, a lunar rover driver who explored the Moon's surface and mapped out its features, and Bob Barnini, a NASA official who helped to shape public perceptions of the space program.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a wealth of insider insights and captivating anecdotes. We learn about the intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States, each vying to become the first to land a human on the Moon. We hear about the challenges of designing and building the Saturn V rocket, which proved to be one of the most complex and daunting engineering projects in history. And we follow the astronauts themselves - the "right stuff" heroes who risked their lives to push the boundaries of what was possible.

Visually, When We Were Apollo is a feast for the eyes. The film draws heavily on archival footage from the era, including stunning views of Earth from space, hair-raising launch sequences, and footage of the astronauts themselves describing their experiences. But the documentary also employs a number of creative filmmaking techniques to bring these historic events to life. For instance, the filmmaker uses detailed computer simulations to recreate the Moon landings themselves, allowing viewers to feel as if they're standing on the lunar surface alongside the astronauts.

At its core, When We Were Apollo is a deeply human story. Through the voices of its many interviewees, we get a sense of the camaraderie, dedication, and sheer passion that drove these individuals to succeed. We hear stories of the long hours and sleepless nights spent working on the Apollo missions, and we see the tears in the eyes of those who watched as their colleagues blasted off into space.

But the film also tackles some of the darker aspects of the Apollo program. We hear about the toll that the space race took on the families of the astronauts and the engineers, and we learn about the safety risks inherent in the missions themselves. We also get a sense of the seismic cultural shift that the Apollo program represented - a time when it felt like anything was possible and the future was boundless.

Overall, When We Were Apollo is an inspiring and moving tribute to one of the greatest achievements in human history. Its combination of engaging interviews, stunning visuals, and insightful commentary make it an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in space, engineering, or the human spirit.

When We Were Apollo is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.