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!

That the film exists at all is something of a miracle. Originally planned to take a few months, the shoot extended to three years, with the swimming footage alone going from three or four planned sessions to nearer thirty. Made on a miniscule budget, the production pulled through thanks to the dedication and passion of all involved, from writer/directer Elliott Hasler through the two principal cast members Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke, to the many extras, theatre groups, town councils and others who went above and beyond.

And was it worth the effort? Yes. Although the budget restrictions show in the tightness of a few of the shots, what does fill the screen is beautifully realised; major kudos to the production design team. Costumes, vehicles, sets - everything looks marvellously authentic. And if the sea-set stuff looks real, it was - they were out there in The English Channel, in a couple of small boats for hours on end, with no body doubles.

Mercedes Gleitze had a fascinating life, of which this is only a small part, but the narrow focus works, enabling the drama of the channel crossings and attendant disputes to be teased out in just the right amount of detail. Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke make an appealing if oddly-matched pair at the centre of it all, in a story about integrity and self-belief, and the end is unexpected - and unexpectedly moving. The conclusion shouldn't work but it does, partly thanks to Daniel Clive McCallum's excellent score, but also due to restrained acting on the part of the leads, and some excellent staging. I was really quite moved, both times I saw it.

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.

Excellent, moving story which has been captured in a way that highlighted the struggles that Mercedes had as a woman in a male dominated time.

Beautifully filmed which is even more remarkable when you find out it was written and filmed by such a young Director (Elliot Hasler) as an indie film with a limited budget. Despite this, the film stands up on its own and more than comparable to other 'swim' themed films made with Hollywood stars and multi-million pound budgets.

Having decided to go and see the film after watching a few of the cast and director interviewed on BBC breakfast, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the feel good factor I was left with. Would definitely recommend.

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.