The new documentary Sharkwater delves into the murky depths of the great oceans and into the dirty business of the Shark fin trade. What begins as a natural history documentary on Sharks eventually reveals a political purpose.
Wearing its heart on its sleeve, the film shows the perceived prejudice humans have against Sharks and attempts to persuade the public of the grave danger facing these great fish of the deep.
The film argues that the Asian demand for Shark fins - for their perceived medicinal properties and for use in the delicacy “Shark Fin Soup” - has created a lucrative market. So much so that, as director Rob Stewart points out again and again, Sharks are fast facing extinction.
Sharkwater is 'diver and shark lover' Rob Stewart's first foray into filmmaking…. And it shows. Even though his underwater sequences are beautifully executed, this documentary takes awhile to get going and feels very amateurish. His voice over in particular, takes some getting used to.
However all is not lost. Stewart's passion and his partnership with renegade conservationist Paul Watson lifted the film greatly during the second half; especially when they uncover the illegal Shark fin trade. At this point, I actually became quite engaged and alarmed at the plight of the Shark.
Sharkwater is not a well constructed film but it's well intentioned and made with such conviction, I have to applaud it.
For opening my eyes to the dangers facing the great hunters of the deep… Sharkwater rates 3 stars.
