Product Details

• Actors: Jesse Martin
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• VHS Release Date: October 2, 2001
• Run Time: 70 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00005OBBC
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,161 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Australian teenager Jesse Martin became the youngest person to sail solo, unassisted, and nonstop around the world, and his battles against monumental obstacles are chronicled in Lionheart, much of which Martin shot himself with a video camera mounted aboard his sailboat. Martin's 1999 journey was inspirational (25,000 people assembled to watch him arrive back home in Australia at the journey's end), and the film plays heavily upon the theme of Martin being a role model for young people. Some of the many who were rooting for him, including Peter Garrett of the Aussie rock band Midnight Oil, appear on camera to speak glowingly of Martin's determination. The footage, including some searing scenes of him freaking out while his boat was being battered by relentless bad weather, is dramatic. But at times the inherently claustrophobic nature of the tiny cabin on the small boat seems to undermine the drama taking place on the open ocean. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

As a 17-year-old teenager, Jesse Martin set out on a journey to fulfill a dream few thought possible. By circumnavigating the world in his 34-foot yacht, Lionheart, Jesse would become the youngest person in history to sail around the world solo, nonstop and unassisted. It is an intimate record of his days alone at sea, transporting viewers onto the deck of Lionheart through Jesse's unique and candid approach to filming. From the joy of watching dolphins chase Lionheart to the dramatic moments as Jesse battles terrifying storms and unrelenting knockdowns, this documentary captures all the highs and lows of his incredible journey. This is truly a story of sheer inspiration and the power of chasing a dream that will uplift and motivate people of all ages.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary true-life story, September 3, 2004

By	Michael Secour (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Lionheart - The Jesse Martin Story (DVD)

We happened upon this film on satellite TV recently and were captivated. Jesse Martin, the Australian who at age 17 set out to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone, does not appear to be an extraordinary teen-ager. Yet he displayed a wisdom and poise that was truly remarkable as he embraced the challenge. This short documentary combines interviews after the journey with footage shot by Jesse with his onboard camera. There is great beauty in his footage (dolphins, whales, Cape Horn, etc.), tedium (no wind), humor and delight (Jesse playing the guitar and singing, reminding one a lot of Tim Robbins in "Bull Durham"), typical teenage grumblings at little things going wrong, and lots of footage of the power of the ocean against a small sail-boat. In a gut-wrenching scene toward the end of his journey, Jesse is battling one storm after another, experiencing terrifying knock-downs, and he is seen on camera shivering uncontrollably from the extreme cold and his being soaked through to the skin with no way to get dry and warm. It was clear from the accompanying interview that Jesse knew he was facing death that day and his breakdown on camera is unforgettable. His tumultous welcome home by 25,000 people at the end of the journey was well deserved.

This is a remarkable story of the strength of the human spirit. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, succinct - a tribute to the human spirit, October 19, 2002

By	"laballemort" (Westfield, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lionheart - The Jesse Martin Story (DVD)

Jesse Martin is a phenominal young man, and his story is a wonderful tribute to the enduring human spirit. Filled with insightful moments, fear, and utter frustration, Jesse forges on to attain his dream. If you need a lift, this is a great DVD! Forget Spider man, this is real super hero stuff!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An all-time favorite , January 19, 2005

By	S. Smith (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Lionheart - The Jesse Martin Story (DVD)

Bottom line first: This is a must-read book, among the best to be found.

I actually saw the film on DVD first. I found it one day more than a year ago while surfing for some information on sailing. It looked interesting, and I have a large DVD collection, so I added one more. But it was much more than I imagined, so good, in fact, that I bought the book, which was even better. I've read and re-read it many times, and I show the DVD to any friends who will sit and watch. I was actually so compelled by it that I sought Martin's email address and began a correspondence with him.

In November of 2004, had the opportunity to travel to Australia and Papua New Guinea to meet Jesse and all of his family. They are, each and every one, the nicest people I've ever met. My assessment of Jesse is that while he may have peers, there is no finer person on the planet! That may sound pompous or even ridiculous, but I stand by the remark emphatically.

Everyone, young or old, should read Jesse's book, see his video, and watch for more coming in the future. "Lionheart" is by no means Jese's first or last adventure. I've read a draft of his upcoming book, which is yet another winner. He's so down-to-earth and real, I think he's unable to write a clunker! They're all great... I've ordered copies to donate to my local library!