Sharkwater Movie Review
Rob Stewart reveals the true nature of sharks in documentary
A provocative documentary, Sharkwater focuses upon the plight of a fascinating creature who has survived 400 million years of evolution only to now face extinction.
Biologist Rob Stewart debunks shark myths in Sharkwater
Throughout the film narrator/writer/director and biologist Rob Stewart presents various statistics such as shark attacks have only resulted in an average of 5 deaths per year, and that vending machines kill more people per year than sharks. A vintage interview with Australian shark hunter Vic Hislop, who claims that sharks will kill anyone who approaches them, is countered with Stewart swimming in shark infested waters with only his trunks on.
Rob Stewart exposes shark fin industry backed by Taiwan mafia
Sharkwater takes an unflinching look at the extermination of the shark species. Stewart alleges that a major factor in the millions of shark deaths per year is due to the high demand for shark fins as food stock within Asian countries. During his investigation Stewart finds rampant corruption brought on by the Taiwanese mafia who bankroll the shark fin industry in the once safe shark waters of Costa Rica. Stewart also provides unflinching footage of the slaughter of sharks, whales, turtles, and seals.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society dampen Sharkwater documentary
When Stewart is joined by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - led by Captain Paul Watson – things begin to get equally interesting and unsettling. Under the orders of the Costa Rican government, Watson is shown using his large vessel to put a stop to fishermen partaking in illegal long line fishing, as his ship violently rams the much smaller fishing boat until they give up. It is both a thrilling and appalling thing to watch as he slams his ship into the dwarfish fishing vessel in an attempt to halt their mission, the high risk of the loss of human life not fitting with his self imposed superiority on the high seas. Just as interesting is Watson’s contradictory comments which slams the human race as madmen with self descried aspirations of divinity, and then goes on to praise those within his organization as eco-warriors who play the role of martyr for mother nature.
Rob Stewart the movie star proves to be a distraction
Rob Stewart is a passionate conservative, marine biologist, and deft wildlife photographer who provides gorgeous underwater photography of the ocean. Yet while his passion is commendable, his screen persona does not do the film any favours. Had Stewart taken himself out of the picture, and focused all of his attention instead to the creatures he loves so dearly, Sharkwater would have been much more effective and educational viewing experience
