Film Review: Sharkwater

I always thought that sharks were the enemy of man. I thought they were always dangerous. I found this film to be so educational and was absolutely spectacular to watch. Rob Stewart, the director, was actually born in Toronto. As a young child he loved sharks. He studied biology and photography and made this his career. It is totally amazing to see him swimming underwater and filming the life under the sea. As a photographic wonder the film is superb. But it is much more than that. It is a study in ecology. The capturing of sharks to make shark fin soup is putting the underwater ecology out of sync. Stewart has been committed to catching poachers. He has risked his life in pursuing his dreams. He was put in jail in Costa Rica. He suffered from flesh eating disease. He almost lost his life many times. It is shocking to learn that many of the big poachers are Mafia from the Orient. The shark’s fins are so valuable and they will do anything to get them.
The beauty of the underwater world is in sharp contrast to the plight of the shark and the ongoing commitment of conservationists to save them. What an incredible documentary!