I came across “Young Woman and the Sea” on Disney+ and initially assumed it was a documentary.
The image of a swimming cap hinted at a swimming-related theme, but I was surprised to learn that it was a film based on the true story of the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
On Disney+ in Korea, the title is listed as “The Woman and the Sea” instead of “Young Woman and the Sea.”
The movie is set in America 100 years ago.
It begins with a child battling a severe case of measles, with the prognosis looking grim. However, the child miraculously recovers and walks out of the hospital, setting the stage for the inspiring story of Gertrude Ederle.
The film touches upon various aspects of life in that era, including the prevalent gender discrimination in sports. It serves as a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained such biases were even in America, just a century ago.
With her mother’s unwavering support, Gertrude’s passion for swimming propels her to become the top swimmer in America. She even competes in the 1924 Paris Olympics. The film culminates in her triumphant crossing of the English Channel, a remarkable feat of perseverance and determination.
Daisy Ridley, an actress familiar to many but not particularly popular in Korea, portrays Gertrude Ederle. The lukewarm reception of the Star Wars series in South Korea might contribute to her relative anonymity here.
Gertrude Ederle
After watching the film, I delved deeper into Gertrude Ederle’s life.
While the film is based on a true story, I discovered several creative liberties were taken. Gertrude won a gold medal in the 4×100 meter freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics.
Her first attempt to cross the English Channel ended in failure, leading her to change coaches and train rigorously for another year before successfully completing the swim.
Her record-breaking time of 14 hours and 31 minutes, set on August 6, 1926, surpassed the men’s record by two hours and remained unbeaten until 1950. She went on to star in a film and enjoyed an active life until a back injury in 1933 forced her to retire from swimming.
Conflicting accounts exist regarding the circumstances of her injury, with some attributing it to a performance and others to a fall down an apartment staircase. In the 1940s, she completely lost her hearing due to measles. Gertrude never married and passed away in 2003.
Young Woman and the Sea my Review
“Young Woman and the Sea” doesn’t deviate significantly from the typical sports biopic formula. The protagonist, with the support of a family member, embarks on a swimming journey, overcoming obstacles and achieving success. She breaks the American record and competes in the Paris Olympics but falls short of victory. Undeterred, she sets her sights on conquering the English Channel, facing setbacks along the way before ultimately triumphing.
The film effectively incorporates cinematic elements, such as the protagonist gaining her initially disapproving father’s support and the heartwarming scene of torchlights illuminating her arrival point. It successfully weaves a compelling narrative based on a true story of triumph.
The nearly two-hour runtime flies by without a dull moment, and the ending even evokes a sense of poignancy. While I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend it as an absolute must-watch, it’s a heartwarming film that provides a pleasant viewing experience.