A good balance between fun and information

Cal_T5X

This film does an incredible job of showing sharks as they really are : intelligent, graceful creatures who, like everything else on earth, just want to survive. The film debunks popular (and ridiculous) misconceptions about "bloodthirsty" sharks with a few simple facts and footage showing how sharks actually behave. Clearly some humans are far more cruel, wasteful and downright despicable than these sensitive ocean dwellers.

The film not only has stunning undersea visuals, but a compelling human story full of danger, pathos, humour and suspense. I don't agree with everything that the filmmakers say and do, but I admire their courage in fighting for the rights of these misunderstood and critically important animals.

Sharkwater shows that it is in our own best interest to protect sharks, who are a keystone predator of ocean life. How? Most of our oxygen comes from ocean phytoplankton. What happens if the number plankton-eaters gets out of control? Sharks control the many populations under them, effectively keeping the food chain in balance. The loss of sharks could cause one of middle species to explode in population while the others die off. Sharks stabilize the ocean's ecosystem, and this same web of life allows us to live and breathe.

Sharks may seem distant, but indirectly your welfare is connected to theirs. Some parts of the film are a visual treat while other are painful to watch, but overall the film strikes a good balance between warning and hope. I think it is a must-see.

score 9/10

Cal_T5X 14 April 2007

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1637130/