True Spirit Movie Review

"True Spirit" is a movie about the amazing journey of Australian sailor Jessica Watson. At just 16 years old, Watson became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo, inspired by German sailor Jesse Martin who achieved the same feat ten years earlier. Despite criticism from the media and government officials who worried about her safety, Watson persevered and sailed around the world, surviving challenging conditions and being recognized for her incredible feat.

The film, directed by Sarah Spillane and co-written by Spillane and Cathy Randall, stars Teagan Croft of DC's "Titans". Although the screenplay cuts back to key moments in Watson's childhood, which can impede dramatic momentum, the sailing sequences are stunning and provide a mix of location footage and green screen effects. The film takes some liberties with the real-life story, compressing events and creating a fictional character to represent Watson's mentor and project manager, but overall it works in favor of the film's lean approach.

However, the movie may feel a bit too sanitized and suited for young children, lacking complexities or contradictions. It is also focused on vindicating Watson and her family, portraying any objections as unjustified and dismissive of free will. There is a composite character, a TV reporter, who represents the media naysayers but eventually comes around to support Watson. The film seems to focus more on bypassing the media and getting Watson's message out than documenting her incredible journey, and the sexism Watson faced in trying to claim a world record is largely overlooked."True Spirit" is a captivating film that chronicles the inspiring journey of Australian sailor Jessica Watson, who in 2009 made history as the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Watson was motivated by German sailor Jesse Martin, who completed the same feat ten years prior at two years older. With the support of her family, manager, and drawing inspiration from Martin's memoir, Watson embarked on her epic adventure after years of rigorous training and water experience.

Despite media criticism and objections from government officials, Watson persevered, sailing through treacherous storms and navigating long periods of windless stillness. Despite a collision with a bulk carrier during a test run and accusations of being irresponsible, Jessica was ultimately recognized for her bravery and awarded multiple citations and medals, becoming an icon of determination, especially for girls and young women in sailing.

Starring Teagan Croft of DC's "Titans" and directed by Sarah Spillane, "True Spirit" does justice to Watson's story. Although the film's screenplay cuts back to key moments in Watson's childhood, disrupting the flow of the present-tense action, the sailing sequences are spellbinding and sometimes heart-stopping. Some artistic liberties have been taken, such as portraying Watson's father's opposition as brief and the creation of a fictional mentor character. Nevertheless, the film's concise approach works in its favor, offering a compelling portrayal of Watson's incredible journey.

However, the film may feel a little too wholesome, with a clean-cut feel that resembles a Disney Channel production, catering to younger audiences who may not be able to handle complexities. At the same time, the film focuses solely on vindicating Watson and those who supported her, portraying those who opposed her as adversaries of free will. The film also touches on sexism in sailing, but fails to delve deeper into the topic, as well as the media's depiction of Watson and her journey.

In conclusion, "True Spirit" is an uplifting and courageous tale of one woman's quest to follow her dreams, and a testament to the human spirit's indomitable nature.

"True Spirit" is a heart-warming tale that follows the incredible journey of Australian sailor, Jessica Watson. Inspired by another young sailor, Jesse Martin, who circumnavigated the world ten years prior, Jessica set out on her own journey to make history. Despite facing criticism and opposition, including questions about her maturity and understanding of the risks involved, she pressed on and completed her journey, surviving multiple storms and long periods of windless stasis. The film, directed by Sarah Spillane and co-written by Cathy Randall, stars Teagan Croft of DC's "Titans" and showcases Jessica's journey in an inspiring and captivating way.

Although the film has its limitations, including a tendency to impede dramatic momentum with frequent cuts to Jessica's childhood, the sailing sequences are thrilling and evocative. The movie takes some liberties with the true story, including the relationship between Jessica and her father and the fictionalization of her mentor, but these changes help to create a leaner, more impactful tale. However, some may find the movie too perky and sanitized, more suitable for younger children who cannot handle complex or contradictory themes. Additionally, the film is focused on vindicating Jessica and her family, which may give the impression of a sore winner. Despite these issues, "True Spirit" is an exciting and uplifting film that will inspire and encourage viewers to follow their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.