Untold: The Race of the Century
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docu about historic sea competition has some language.
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Untold: The Race of the Century
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What's the Story?
In UNTOLD: THE RACE OF THE CENTURY, the sailing crews of the Liberty and Australia II recall their journeys during 1983's America's Cup. The documentary features firsthand interviews and archival footage and photos from the prestigious match at sea, which was founded by the New York Yacht Club in 1851. Before the ocean crews head for their history-making adventure, they engage in physical and psychological preparation, as well as involvement in designing and building their boats.
Is It Any Good?
With its truly inspiring message of grit and determination from an underdog competitor, this film is an ideal teaching tool for kids and teens. Sailing since the age of 12 was a boyhood dream for John Bertrand, Australia II's captain in Untold: The Race of the Century. "My great-grandfather was involved in the construction of three America's Cup boats," he says. "My grandfather was a professional fisherman, and he'd teach me."
Bertrand soon arrived in the United States with an MIT scholarship to study marine engineering and then pursued a career in sail racing. With an opportunity to take on the forever champions of the United States crew at the 1983 America's Cup, Bertrand says he helped invite "the best of the best" with "brilliant minds" to join the Australia team. "To take on the United States was a huge psychological mountain," says Bertrand of the bold decision. "We had the audacity to think that we could do it." And the rest is history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork of the cast in Untold: The Race of the Century. How do they also demonstrate communication, courage, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
In the film, sponsorship plays a major role in the America's Cup. What could be the possible pros and cons of such a business arrangement?
Very few BIPOC individuals and women have ever participated in the sport of sailing. What may be the reasons for this? In what ways can the industry create a more diverse and inclusive community?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 6, 2022
- Cast: John Bertrand , Ron Brown , Dennis Connor
- Directors: Chapman Way , Maclain Way
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: STEM , Adventures , Great Boy Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 83 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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