Vindication Swim

This film has an intimacy about it that subtly wove its way through the remarkable story of Mercedes Gleitze which is all the more so as it's almost 100 years since her successful crossing of the Channel.

The period nature of the film and atmosphere created with the mix of colour and black and white cinematography was as inspired and original as Mercedes herself.

The lead was uncannily similar in looks to Mercedes and portrayed the complexity of her character with understated simplicity that neither overshadowed the story or her achievements.

Ably matched by the supporting character with whom one can only admire as well as feel great empathy.

It was a film with meaning, tension, grit, sadness and inspiration and a reminder that whist sexism and misogyny is not as prevalent now as 100 years ago females are still fighting for equality in sport and the workplace.

Long-since retired, I present commercial screenings of films at the unique former mobile theatre, Century Theatre, in Coalville, Leicestershire.

I chose to show Vindication Swim to mark my 20th anniversary and this proved to be a very popular choice!

This very high standard, low budget UK production features good performances from both sides of the camera.

Leading lady, newcomer Kirsten Callaghan delivers a delicately fine performance as Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel in 1927, doing all her own swimming - in the Channel! A truly versatile young actress!

I was also very impressed by John Locke's performance as the sad and troubled swimming coach whose life is rejuvenated after he takes Ms Gleitze under his wing.

The pace and interest of the film never flags and, as we used to say, "you could hear a pin drop", as my audience were totally engrossed in the film, which also features some great location shooting and cinematography.

A very accomplished piece of work by the young writer/director Elliott Hasler - an excellent feature film debut.

I understand the film has already proved very successful and I now consider it to be perfect viewing for village halls and other small venues on the non-theatrical circuit. I heartily recommend it and I'm sure my own audience would fully agree with me.

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!

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.

What a great film this is about an inspirational true story that seems lost to time. I had never heard of Mercedes Gleitze before, but the film does a great job of bringing you on the journey of really understanding all the challenges she faced and the emotional rollercoaster she went on. Not only did she have to deal with the actual task of swimming the channel, but to do that as a woman at that time makes it all the more impressive.

I loved the way it was shot, the very clever use of black and white scenes mixed with colour scenes when she was in the water which gives the impression she was truly free in the open waters, away from her normal life on land.

A really entertaining, cleverly written film about an amazing woman, well worth a watch.