Amateurs in Space is a 2016 Danish documentary film that paints a captivating and unusual picture of two men attempting the unthinkable: venturing into space on a budget and off-the-books. Directed by Max Kestner and starring two charismatic real-life scientists, Kristian von Bengtson and Peter Madsen, this eye-opening documentary offers a fascinating look at the world of independent space exploration and the persistent dream of soaring into the cosmos.

The narrative follows our two protagonists, von Bengtson and Madsen, they are not just average space enthusiasts; they are accomplished scientists. Von Bengtson, an architect and former NASA contractor, and Madsen, a engineer known for his expertise in the field of rocketry, founded Copenhagen Suborbitals in 2008 with the dream to mount their manned space mission, independent of any government agency or private corporation.

This funky, erudite buddy story begins as an earnest, makeshift scientific endeavor, with von Bengtson and Madsen working out of a decrepit shipyard and using do-it-yourself construction techniques. Their plan involves building their series of rockets and spacecraft, named after legendary Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, and launching it into the uncharted stratosphere with one of them onboard. The documentary traces these efforts and the manifold obstacles they face, from fundraising crises to technical issues and, ultimately, their interpersonal dynamics and squabbles.

Watching Amateurs in Space is a back-to-basics counterpoint to the sleek, high-budget space offerings from NASA or private companies like SpaceX. The pair’s unconventional and risk-taking approach to space travel offers a stark contrast to traditional methods and exposes the do-it-yourself ethos in its fully-fledged, ambitious form. At the heart of the film is a compelling examination of the lure of space for many, excellently captured in the raw determination and sheer nerve of the duo as they navigate a path fraught with technical difficulties and personal rivalries.

Throughout the film, the director, Max Kestner, captures the highs and lows of this quest, the internal disputes, the humorous moments and the moments of sheer disbelief in the mission amongst outsiders. Kestner examines how their mutual ambition to make space travel accessible and democratic wrestles with the difficult reality of pursuing a dream that is both dangerous and, to many, appears delusional.

Steen Andersen has a supporting role in the documentary acting as the voice of qualm, the Copenhagen Suborbitals' safety manager, a man at times very much at odds with his more cavalier colleagues. There's a tension that emerges between the dreamers and the pragmatists within the group, giving rise to questions about the ethics and safety involved in such amateur space endeavours.

The film also lends an intimate account of the depths of human endeavor, showcasing the ups and downs, tangibly presenting the difficulties faced in the process of realizing a dream. Amateurs in Space manages the perfect blend of inspiration and gravity, drawing the viewer into the story with an irresistible amalgamation of science, ambition, skepticism and the overpowering force of human will.

Overall, Amateurs in Space is a compelling representation of dreamers trying to realize their vision, despite facing innumerable challenges. It’s an exploration of not only science but also the human spirit, painting an accurate portrait of what it means to strive for something that seems impossible. The film is not just about the dream of space, but about the indomitable will of two men who are prepared to stake their lives on this endeavor. This film is realistically challenging, excitingly gripping, and undoubtedly inspiring, thus leaving you wondering where our dreams might take us if we were simply brave enough to chase them. It's a must watch for any space enthusiast or anyone curious about the enticing world of rocketry and the herculean task of soaring into space.