Lionheart: The Jesse Martin Story

At the tender age of 17, Australian Jesse Martin decided he wanted to sail around the globe. Alone. While most moms I know would have taken that as a cue to ship him off to military school, Jesse's mother mortgaged the house to buy a 34-foot yacht, and helped her son secure outside sponsorship. Not only did he complete the journey in 328 days, but he recorded his progress on video, and sent regular updates to an Australian newspaper. Although his boat was wind-powered, it was also wired with communications equipment capable of voice and e-mail transmissions, and the young man's support crew back home included seasoned members of the yacht club, a nutritionist, and perhaps most importantly, a meteorologist. Martin's camera captures both the good times (dolphins jumping in spirals out of the water, peaceful sunsets, making pancakes to celebrate New Year's Eve) and the times of harrowing danger and doubt, such as when the boat was tossed about and “knocked down” (literally turned on its side) during storms. Some of the stark footage of a drenched and shivering cold Jesse describing the storms brings to mind the hyperrealism of The Blair Witch Project--but this one is truly for real. The DVD includes a special featurette with additional footage, including a graphical map depicting his path. And did I mention he had only 3 1/2 months sailing instruction before starting his worldwide journey? Sure to be inspirational for young adults, this production would also be intriguing for adventure lovers of all ages. Highly recommended. Editors Choice. Aud: J, H, P. (C. Block)