The story of Australian teenager, Jessica Watson, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012, for being a role model for young Australians.The story of Australian teenager, Jessica Watson, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012, for being a role model for young Australians.The story of Australian teenager, Jessica Watson, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012, for being a role model for young Australians.
- Awards
- 2 nominations total
Featured reviews
A biographical movie about Jessica Watson, who became the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the world alone in 2009. The film, which stars Teagan Croft and is directed by Sarah Spillane, details Watson's journey and the support she received from her family and manager.
Despite criticism from the media and government officials, Watson persevered and completed her journey, overcoming multiple storms and windless stasis. The film showcases the beautiful sailing sequences and pays homage to Watson's determination, making her a symbol of the "can-do spirit."
However, the film has its flaws. The screenplay tends to disrupt the dramatic momentum, and the perky, clean-scrubbed tone makes the film feel like a Disney Channel movie. The film also oversimplifies the story, focusing solely on vindicating Watson and her family and coach, while ignoring the messiness of real life.
Overall, "True Spirit" is a suitable movie for younger audiences, but for those looking for a more nuanced and thorough account of Watson's journey, her memoir and the 2010 documentary "210 Days" are recommended.
Despite criticism from the media and government officials, Watson persevered and completed her journey, overcoming multiple storms and windless stasis. The film showcases the beautiful sailing sequences and pays homage to Watson's determination, making her a symbol of the "can-do spirit."
However, the film has its flaws. The screenplay tends to disrupt the dramatic momentum, and the perky, clean-scrubbed tone makes the film feel like a Disney Channel movie. The film also oversimplifies the story, focusing solely on vindicating Watson and her family and coach, while ignoring the messiness of real life.
Overall, "True Spirit" is a suitable movie for younger audiences, but for those looking for a more nuanced and thorough account of Watson's journey, her memoir and the 2010 documentary "210 Days" are recommended.
The adventure is amazing, the book is a 7/10 (read it last year) and the movie is very disappointing.
As said, the main actress was more concerned with looking pretty and smiling, the music was awful, the soap opera vibe was everywhere, there was almost no real tension with all the situation...
Some parts are not in the book, were created to romanticize some scenes.
The best part of the movie is the ending with some real scenes of Jess arriving home.
Overall, I feel that the adventure itself was not explored as it should be. The loneliness, the sailing, the danger, her routine...
It was more like a teenager "you can do what you want" movie than an adventure movie.
As said, the main actress was more concerned with looking pretty and smiling, the music was awful, the soap opera vibe was everywhere, there was almost no real tension with all the situation...
Some parts are not in the book, were created to romanticize some scenes.
The best part of the movie is the ending with some real scenes of Jess arriving home.
Overall, I feel that the adventure itself was not explored as it should be. The loneliness, the sailing, the danger, her routine...
It was more like a teenager "you can do what you want" movie than an adventure movie.
10armalis
I enjoyed every moment of this movie. In this world where edgier and darker movies and villains seen as heroes are flooding the media, I've been starving for a good, bright, inspirational story. I cannot believe that this sixteen year old girl completed the trip by herself on a sailboat. I thought her story was beautifully told and the visuals were stunning. Loved this film. A true breath of fresh air.
I enjoyed the cinematography, casting was great, I loved how they incorporated the music, the color saturation in the scene with calm waters that creates the feeling of pressure and nerves amidst the beauty of the surroundings, the starry sky scene, the CG waves,... Finally the way they showed the real Jessica Watson at the very end.
Loved it!
I enjoyed the cinematography, casting was great, I loved how they incorporated the music, the color saturation in the scene with calm waters that creates the feeling of pressure and nerves amidst the beauty of the surroundings, the starry sky scene, the CG waves,... Finally the way they showed the real Jessica Watson at the very end.
Loved it!
Just finished watching this excellent movie. It's based on a true story, so there won't be any spoilers here. It's the story of Jessica Watsonl who's always dreamed of sailing around the world by herself. She's on a quest to be the younger person to do so.
As you'd expect, she certainly has her share of obstacles. But she shows the true grit needed to complete such an adventure. The film goes from her at sea, to flashbacks of her growing up and all the things that led to this amazing adventure.
I thought the acting was absolutely spot on. The photography and special effects were tremendous as well. And it's full of breathtaking action scenes that make you feel you're on board with her. There's one absolutely gorgeous scene when she's caught in a dead-air zone. She stares at the night sky just full of stars with the David Bowie's "Star Man" quietly playing. It's quite haunting.
If you're looking for a great film the whole family will enjoy, don't miss this one! But be sure to have some tissues handy. There are a couple of emotional scenes where even this jaded film reviewer puddled up a bit.
As you'd expect, she certainly has her share of obstacles. But she shows the true grit needed to complete such an adventure. The film goes from her at sea, to flashbacks of her growing up and all the things that led to this amazing adventure.
I thought the acting was absolutely spot on. The photography and special effects were tremendous as well. And it's full of breathtaking action scenes that make you feel you're on board with her. There's one absolutely gorgeous scene when she's caught in a dead-air zone. She stares at the night sky just full of stars with the David Bowie's "Star Man" quietly playing. It's quite haunting.
If you're looking for a great film the whole family will enjoy, don't miss this one! But be sure to have some tissues handy. There are a couple of emotional scenes where even this jaded film reviewer puddled up a bit.
True spirit was one of those movies that made me feel something. It was not just another movie that you forget and it was well made. The movie is about the real life journey of a sixteen year old called jessica watson. She grew up reading a book that inspired her and so she wanted to travel around the world solo. Jessica is played in this movie by teagan croft. She plays the role and emotions well. I loved the set for the boat and the way that the movie was filmed invites you to be part of the action. Helping her is ben, a friend from childhood thats a professional himself and played here by cliff curtis. The cast of this movie were all pretty good and overall it was just a really nice movie that was translated well to film.
Did you know
- TriviaJessica Watson was allowed to keep the replica of her boat used for filming after production had completed.
- GoofsIn the movie in rough weather Jessica is seen strapped to the bunk . Yachts do not use this system, they all use lee cloths . Which you see on the real boat at the end of the movie with real footage from the boat . Hint its red.
- Quotes
Jessica Watson: There's strength in being yourself. You know, I think... that's as hard as climbing any mountain. You know, I think there's bravery in admitting that you're not okay.
- SoundtracksWalking on a Dream
Written by Luke Steele, Jonathan Sloan and Nick Littlemore (as Nicholas Littlemore)
Performed by Empire of the Sun
Courtesy of EMI Music Australia Pty Ltd/Astralwerks
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises
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- Runtime1 hour 49 minutes
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- 2.35 : 1
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