Cinephile Report: Sharkwater Directed by Rob Stewart

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Will there ever be another Jacques Cousteau in the realm of pop culture science? The answer is probably not. The idea of an eloquent old man of the sea who speaks in poetics doesn't have that extra zing needed to grab people's attention in our media hyper MTV society.

Enter Rob Stewart, an internationally acclaimed underwater photographer turned filmmaker and shark advocate who also happens to be the kind of young and dashing leading man fit for the cast of The OC.

Stewart showcases his hard work and big heart in his new documentary Sharkwater; an exploration of the negative mythology associated to sharks as well as an investigation into the cruel reality of the shark finning industry which threatens to bring many shark populations as well as underwater ecosystems to extinction.

Stewart's eager but somewhat stunted narration is one of the film's only drawbacks but his beautiful cinematography and environmental heroics here speak louder than his words ever could (or do).

This doc really swims when Stewart jumps into action with Paul Watson and his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as they track down and stop illegal shark fishers. Tensions mount expertly as pirate boat rammings, gunboat chases, mafia espionage, corrupt court systems, life threatening illness and attempted murder charges are thrown into the mix and we watch Stewart, like a true hero, roll with every punch.

Stewart may not be the king of eloquence but this blockbuster doc and festival darling deserves every bit of praise it has received. Sharkwater is truly gripping and viscerally entertaining while being sure to inspire a whole new generation of marine biologists and animal activists. This film changed how I view sharks in terms of animal advocacy, world ecology and global politics while also making me proud that Stewart and his cohorts were fellow canucks.

Again, I tip my hat to the Canadian funding system that has chosen another winner to support. This film has the power to change minds while also putting butts into theaters; another niche film done splashingly.


Reader Reviews and Comments

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With The Population now thers a 1000 (Jacques Cousteaus)I IM ONE!CHAMPION!Check me out at sponsormeonline.com Galvin Hoyer,You would be suprised what some one can do in the middle of (British Columbia)Advanced Diver, Passionate about (SHARKS)(shark fin soup = www.viagra.com

Posted by: Galvin Hoyer at March 31, 2007 11:38 PM

please tell me how to get the name of
the song i think it is "mokobawa"
in the movie i think this song is fantastic i'de like a traslation and
a way to find out more about it.
i had it one one of my cd's that i think
i gave away to a friend and hearing it
again i regret it. the part in the movie where the sharks were thrown back into kicked back into the sea and this song played it ripped at my heart. i really miss hearing that song. please please help me find out more i've been looking everywhere so far can't find it.
hope my friend still has it. or you can help.thanks brilliant movie guys

Posted by: mary at April 2, 2007 12:04 AM

You can help in the campaign to prevent shark slaughter by signing this petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/SharkS/petition.html

To: Hu Jintao president of the People�s Republic of China.

Currently the Chinese people are eating a soup which is causing the biggest ecological disaster of our time. Supplying the demand for Shark�s Fin soup involves the death of what best estimates say are between 50 and 150 million sharks a year. This is unsustainable and will inevitably lead to all sharks becoming extinct, many species are already over 90% eradicated.
The shark is the apex predator that keeps the whole ecology of the sea in balance and healthy. Nobody knows what the effects of their removal will be but is can be guaranteed to involve a lot of unwanted harmful outcomes.
This petition seeks the Chinese government to ban the catching, import and sale of sharks and all shark related products.

Posted by: Bruce Everiss at April 2, 2007 5:38 AM

who knows the name of the last song in SHARKWATER (during the credits...)

Thanks for ur help

Posted by: Martin at May 1, 2008 5:49 PM

I am really that some people are helping these sharks i been trying my super best to help the sharks i have been giving 100% on trying to tell all of my friends and family sending to all of the people that i know and that will help i am trying to say that i am on your side. I know it is really sad to see all those sharks die for no reson, i think everyone to help the sharks by saying no to shark fin soup i learned that from sharkwater it is a sad movie and if we all pish in we will help the wrold and make is a better place for every crecher in this wrold BYE-BYE and thank you rob stewart

Posted by: adisa at June 24, 2008 9:21 PM

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