Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Excellent docu about teen sailor; brief profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Maidentrip
What's the Story?
Fourteen-year-old Laura Dekker, a teenager from Holland, sets out to be the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone in MAIDENTRIP. Before she attempts to do so, she confronts the Dutch government, who try everything in their power to stop her and to put her in foster care and separate her from her father. She wins her court case and is free to pursue her dream. Using a mix of shots from the camera Laura brought with her on her trip, footage from her childhood, and shots from director Jillian Schlesinger, this documentary shows the highs and lows of Dekker's voyage, as well as the people she meets along the way as she traverses all three oceans in two years.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring documentary manages to represent Laura Dekker as both a brave, extraordinary individual and an ordinary teenager looking to grow up and pursue her life's goals. Through a mix of footage Dekker kept on her personal camera as she kept a video diary and director Jillian Schlesinger's beautiful filming and filling in of the blanks in the story line emerges an incredible story of an extremely driven teenage girl and her dream of being the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.
Although this documentary should prove inspirational for any teen with dreams of his or her own, families in general should find much to admire and enjoy in Maidentrip. The highs and lows of the voyage come through quite clearly, as do the numerous obstacles Dekker had to face before and during the trip. This is an unforgettable documentary that should merit repeated viewings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about documentaries like Maidentrip. How was Laura Dekker's history told, and how was it placed in the context of her goal?
In light of the information presented at the beginning of the movie, why do you think Laura decided to change the flag on her ship from Holland's to New Zealand's?
How do the "in-the-moment" shots from Laura's camera compare with the shots of the film's director?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 30, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : July 8, 2014
- Cast : Laura Dekker
- Director : Jillian Schlesinger
- Studio : First Run Features
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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