Sharkwater

I mean, if you see this movie, and just watch the news in general. Like one of the guys in this movie says. Humans are just primates out of control. Couldn't agree more. This movie is about the Shark dilemma, a species that has survived for over 400 millions years, and now finds itself close to extinction, do to humans. Now you might say am generalizing people, but its hard to argue against the complete destruction we have done to many species, and ecological systems of the planet earth.

The movie just doesn't deal with the dilemma of the Sharks, but also the dilemma for the people that try to actually do something about it. The corruption in this business, the fact Sharks are not as dangerous as we have been told.

Must watch.

A great documentary film worth watching for its education value on the topic of the shark-finning industry alone. It goes a couple levels deeper than the usual documentaries you'll catch on discovery channel type shows which made the film quite captivating. Underwater scenes are well shot, although if all you want is some oceanic eyecandy go see 'Blue planet' instead. The real worth of the film comes from some of the undercover and handicam shooting of illegal sharkfin set ups, boat chases, etc...

Director Rob Stewart does a bit too much mugging for the camera which takes some focus away from the sharks, and the way he ends it left me scratching my head for a bit. But despite that, you can tell he is passionate about this topic. His narration and on-screen presence isn't all that hard-hitting, though some of the footage (the finning sequence especially) makes up for it.

Bottom line: As a shark lover, if I had my way I'd make everybody I know watch this movie. I've always felt it a shame that because sharks aren't cute and cuddly they've been left on the back burner of public conservation interest, and I hope it's movies like this that will start to change that.

For filmmaker Rob Stewart, exploring sharks began as an underwater adventure. What it turned into was a beautiful and dangerous life journey into the balance of life on earth.

Driven by passion fed from a lifelong fascination with sharks, Stewart debunks historical stereotypes and media depictions of sharks as bloodthirsty, man-eating monsters and reveals the reality of sharks as pillars in the evolution of the seas.

Filmed in visually stunning, high definition video, Sharkwater takes you into the most shark rich waters of the world, exposing the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations in the marine reserves of Cocos Island, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

In an effort to protect sharks, Stewart teams up with renegade conservationist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Their unbelievable adventure together starts with a battle between the Sea Shepherd and shark poachers in Guatemala, resulting in pirate boat rammings, gunboat chases, mafia espionage, corrupt court systems and attempted murder charges, forcing them to flee for their lives.

Through it all, Stewart discovers these magnificent creatures have gone from predator to prey, and how despite surviving the earth's history of mass extinctions, they could easily be wiped out within a few years due to human greed.

Stewart's remarkable journey of courage and determination changes from a mission to save the world's sharks, into a fight for his life, and that of humankind. Sharkwater 10/10

I saw this film on an advanced screening, with the director present afterwards for Q&A. The movie has some simply amazing underwater visuals and from what the film maker said was his first attempt at underwater cinematography, and I really must commend him on it. There is great flow to the movie and its very effective in delivering its message. Whether or not you agree with the Sea Shepards Society's methods is secondary to the point of this film. I would highly recommend anyone to go see this film, mind you at times it does seem somewhat graphic but comparatively it's not that bad. While it is a documentary, it is never dry and the film maker's story makes the doc so much more compelling to watch. There are few films that can completely change your view on something, and this would count among them. It highlights sharks in a completely different light and has given me a new appreciation and admiration for them. I full encourage people to go out and see this movie! Note: as cleared up in previous statements, the facts are correct. Sharks are keystone species, and removal of them from the food chain could possibly reek havoc on the rest of the ecosystem, including organisms responsible for the air we breathe. As well, around 50 million sharks are harvested each year, each providing about a pound of shark fin which retails for $200, the math would properly equate into the trillions. I believe the previous commenter misheard or interpreted part of the film.

Call this film the myth-buster of all shark films! Call it beautifully filmed. Call it the start of a major kelproots movement. It is a call, a cry for our attention! Grassroots documentaries are not uncommon and are a vitally necessary form of information. Sharkwater brings this kind of movement from the ocean to our theaters *Releasing across Canada March 23, September release in the U.S., and hopefully soon to our schools and homes.

Rob Stewart (Essentially the one man movie band) brings us, along with his passion, into the oceanic ecosystem and gives a grand, albeit disturbing, view of the life there. His message is clear and strong, and provides an even picture of what is happening to the oldest oceanic life form and to the people connected to it. Hint: we all are.

Take your children, your teens and give some small amount of your time to the questions presented here. There is a powerful story here, with concise editing and beautiful cinematography, it is time well spent.