Vindication Swim

Being a channel swimmer myself (relay only) I found this a fascinating watch. The challenges of the channel are captured perfectly in the film, I almost felt sea sick at one point, it was so realistic. I felt for the rower, never mind Mercedes. The film clearly portrayed how driven Mercedes was to overcome the prejudice's of the time, being a working class female of German heritage, and this was eloquently emphasised by the sound effects. The film tenderly told the story of Mercedes incredible achievements and what drove her to them. The film makers are to be commended in their portrayal of this period piece, which considering it's a low budget film was extremely good. Go and see it!

Wow. What an enthralling film from the word go. Had me wrapped in the story from the off and the attention to detail for the architecture and settings for the era was amazing. The ocean clips were chilling. Thank you for bringing Mercedes story to us. A remarkable story that covered not just Mercedes' story but told of woman's struggles and misogyny back in the day. Her strive to prove her critics and to herself beyond all difficulties and weather / tide made one feel quite humble to watch. A true triumph of a film and story telling. Kirsten and Elliott its a wonde4ful film of which you must feel very proud.

This is an independent film made on a budget. Once this is borne in mind the film maker has produced a well made film telling a human story about a young woman who achieved amazing success despite being a young woman and in a male dominated sport. I found the story moving, entertaining and educational. I came to understand the struggle involved and courage required for channel swimming. The film captured the risks and the very basic support available at the time. The cinematography is very good, and the music and period atmosphere is excellent. Yes it is not a Hollywood block buster but is has charm, its own style and is well worth watching. It is well worth seeing.

A small girl stands on a lonely beach, staring at the mysterious sea. She feels at home here, the sea beckons her.

In the 1920s, far from where the Jazz Age thrives in parts of America, but Mercedes Gleitze , a young British woman who works as a shorthand-typist; who is bored, and feels she is of no importance.

She remembers the sea, the feeling of freedom Could she swim across the English Channel? She approaches the authorities who are contemptuous of any woman doing such a thing. Her hopes are smothered.

Swimming the Channel is largely about endurance, not being willing to give up, rather like a boxer being knocked down and getting up again. And again. This film captures that feeling, which I remember well from my long distance running days.

Ms Gleitze is determined, especially when she finds a man who swam the Channel many years before, a man who finally agrees to train her. She has to fight both the sea and society.

And just when you think the film is nearing its end, a crisis blows up.

Normally I avoid films about sports but found this one quite compelling.

This is a beautifully shot true biopic about the struggles of Mercedes Gleitze trying to prove, in a male dominate world, that she did in fact swim the English Channel.

It is shot in black and white but also in colour for all the water scenes. No green screens were used and all the swimming action is done by the actress herself. The film was written, filmed and directed by Elliot Hasler who remarkably has had no formal training in film making.

It is well worth a visit to a local cinema to see and will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride as you cheer on Mercedes to succeed seemingly joining the crowds of onlookers cheering her on near the end.

It just shows you a film doesn't have to be a large Hollywood block buster of a film to be just as enjoyable and Vindication Swim shows you just what the best of independent films can be. Don't miss it.