Film Review: Maiden Empowers Women Around The World
I cried as I watched Maiden because it reminded me that, as a woman, doors are not only closed; to enter them may ignite pain and ridicule. People, me and women, presume that women are not getting opportunities, but it is also the fact that we cannot make them for ourselves and to do so could, literally, endanger. MAIDEN is the inspiring true story of Captain Tracy Edwards and the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World. Yet, as this documentary journalizes their trip, you wonder if it is the ocean or the men trying to end them.
From no sponsors to bullying, the 9 females that joined Edwards across the world not only have to face nature but also mankind. The ocean is relentless, of which this film portrays both beautifully and excellently. You are, consistently, reminded that the ocean cares about no one, man or woman, which might explain why Tracy loved it. The ocean does not care if she kills you or leads you to break gender barriers; she is both neutral and stunning. Yet,, Edwards and crew appear determined to prove nature, especially human, that desire and determination are enough to fuel your trip around the world.
Maiden | Official Trailer HD (2019)
The crew members were as such: Tracy Edwards (skipper), Mandi Swan (Amanda Swan Neal), Mikaela Von Koskull, Claire Warren, Michele Paret, Tanja Visser, Sally Creaser, Dawn Riley, Nancy Hill, Jeni Mundy, Jo Gooding (from Leg 2), Sarah Davies (reserve), Kristin Harris (Leg 1)[10] and Angela Farrell. Directed by Alex Holmes, you get the opportunity to meet these women that became “the firsts” to travel around the world, of which each sets up that 1989 was NOT a good time to be a woman. While 2019 has CERTAINLY shown ladies are threatened, it is strange to be reminded that the 80’s, now seen as colorfully cool and nostalgic, was so backwards in terms of gender. It was 1989-90, and no woman had entered the Whitbread race, of which, when these ladies did, they were met with hate-mongering.
Again, I cried watching Maiden, but it was a strange cry; as if my tears were streaming from a reminder of how far women have come, how much more we need to go, and how, either way, our safety is challenged. As the ladies proves every man wrong with their skills, smarts, and sheer heart, you cheer. Yet, this film is also about self-belief, and how your faith in yourself can lead you to great heights but, your lack of it, can make you lose. Thus, on June 28, in theaters, Maiden truly is a film worthy of watching and learning.
