The idea of travelling to Mars has always been fascinating. For young people today, it’s the next big adventure that they might see in their lifetime. The Moon? Been there, done that. Talking to people across the world seamlessly over the internet? Old news. Mars is the next step: the illusive planet that mankind feels it must visit to discover the secrets of the universe. The Martian, based on a superb book by Andy Weir, takes the idea that mankind is now able to visit Mars, and that Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut who is part of a world initiate to explore the big red planet.
The best point of reference for the film is Tom Hanks’ Castaway, but a whole lot further away. Although injured, Watney makes his way to the ‘Hab’, the crew’s living quarters and base of operations on Mars. He quickly concludes that his only chance of rescue will be the arrival of another crew in four years. While Watney draws upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to survive and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive, a world unites in a bid to rescue him. NASA, along with other agencies such as the Chinese National Space Administration launch several operations and when Watney’s crew discover his status, they risk their lives to save him.
This clip, at the end of the film, sees Watney’s crew launch a last desperate effort to save him. Having already added numerous months to their journey, they risk everything to bring Watney home (an extended version of this clip lasts until (SPOILERS) the end of Watney’s rescue at 2:11:10). After showing the clip, break into small groups and discuss:
- If you were captain of the Ares craft, what would your decision be?
- Have you ever had someone go out of their way to help you out? What happened and how did you feel?
- How do you think Watney would feel knowing so many people have risked their lives and worked so hard to save him?
- Is it wrong to risk so much to save just one person? Read Luke 15:1–7 together.
Return to your groups and discuss:
- What is the meaning of this parable?
- Who is the lost sheep meant to be?
- Is the shepherd foolish to leave all his sheep to go after just one?
- In what way is this parable similar to the story of The Martian?
