The week’s openings: Of women and the sea

It’s a cliche to start a story detailing someone’s having a dream. Yet sometimes that’s the only way to begin, as is the case with the movie that will open at the Magic Lantern on Friday. It’s titled:

“Maiden”: Tracy Edwards is the focus of this documentary film about the first all-woman crew to compete in the daunting Whitbread Round the World yacht race. At the tender age of 24, Edwards, who had crewed but not captained on previous races, had to find a suitable boat, raise both the renovations funds and the million British pounds entry fee, and find a serviceable crew. Director Alex Holmes tells Edwards’ story — and details her dream.

Some critical comments:

Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service: “With stunning archival footage and interviews with the amazing Maiden crew, Holmes captures that high in this stirring documentary that recounts not just the feminist achievement, but triumph of the human spirit.”

Manohla Dargis , New York Times: “Using archival and newly shot material, Holmes tells the story of this unruly daughter who left home when she was young, fell in love with sailing and — on deciding that she wanted to navigate the world — found her cause and herself, a discovery that made her a feminist exemplar.”

Rafer Guzman , Newsday: ” ‘Maiden’ concludes so movingly, with such perfect symbolism, that it rivals any scripted sports drama.”

More changes may be coming. I’ll update as needed.