Parents' Guide to

Maiden

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Poignant, thrilling tale of groundbreaking female sailors.

Movie PG 2019 97 minutes
Maiden Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Katenvironment
Katenvironment Adult
March 16, 2020
age 11+

Great movie about perseverance

It's a wonderful documentary about the first transatlantic sailing race with a team of only women. There is some cursing and the main character deals with an abusive stepfather.

This title has:

Great messages
jimkaplanacts
jimkaplanacts Adult
July 20, 2019
age 9+

Amazing

I don’t understand why it is PG, but this is an amazing movie otherwise! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I think kids 9+ would enjoy it, but it might bore kids under that age. I think that the main sailor, Tracy is such an inspiration to young girls all around the world! And I think that it’s a lesson telling them that they can do what they want, even if someone tells you you can’t do it. This is a great lesson, especially with the discrimination that’s going around these days.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MAIDEN chronicles how 24-year-old Brit Tracy Edwards went from being a cook on charter and racing boats to becoming the skipper of the first all-female crew to enter the prestigious Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989 -- which, at 33,000 nautical miles, is the longest boat race on earth. Through interviews with the now 50-something Tracy, as well as the rest of her crew (a mix of experienced sailors, adventurers, and friends), male competitors, sports journalists, and others, director Alex Holmes explores the sexism and incredulity the women faced. Although no one even expected the Maiden (the boat that the crew refurbished to compete) to finish the first leg of the "ultimate race for a yachtsman," the women went on to prove that they weren't just an attractive side show: They were real competitors who deserved respect.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

A surprisingly moving and thrilling adventure, this little-known story makes for an epic documentary. Audiences don't need to know anything about sailing or yacht races to appreciate and feel utterly absorbed in Holmes' chronicle of not only Edwards and her crew's mission to get the sponsorships necessary to compete in the Whitbread, but also the pulse-quickening details of the race itself. Holmes and editor Katie Bryer capture the tension of the race, interspersing vintage footage with the first-hand accounts.

Although this isn't a game-changing documentary, the women certainly broke noteworthy ground. It's a shame that it's taken decades for these pioneers to get the attention they deserve. Of course there were news pieces about the crew and race in 1989 and 1990, but they mostly covered the "novelty" of the crew rather than the general awe-inspiring nature of Tracy, Jeni, Mikaela, Sally, Dawn, Angela, Claire, Nancy, and the rest of the crew's accomplishment. The story of the female sailors who restored the Maiden (a much smaller-than-average boat) to race in the great ocean race -- and kept going despite a lack of respect, support, or confidence -- sends an outstanding message of perseverance and believing in your dreams.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the issue of sexism in sports. How have things changed since the late 1980s? Are women athletes and competitors still treated differently? Are there gender-based expectations?

  • Discuss whether any of the women in Maiden are role models, and why. How does the crew display perseverance, teamwork, communication, and courage? Why are those important character strengths?

  • What message does the movie send young athletes who, despite their gender, race, or background, want to compete in a particular sport?

  • Why do you think young Tracy "hates the word 'feminism'"? How does she change her mind later in life? Do you think the idea of feminism can be misunderstood?

Movie Details

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