Breathe

Filmmaker Martin Khodabakhshian's tense but graceful documentary Breathe focuses on New Zealander William Trubridge, arguably the world's greatest freediver. A competitive sportsman who swims (without a suit or special gear) to seemingly impossible depths, Trubridge can hold his breath for more than seven minutes, the result of training that appears to be as much spiritual as physical. Filmed in the Bahamas, the cameras follow Trubridge's preparations to break his own freediving record, trying to reach 300 feet below the water's surface in Dean's Blue Hole, a deep and dark pit. Trubridge is an appealing subject, and his equanimity about pulling off the impossible adds to his mystique. While Breathe certainly introduces viewers to an arcane sport, it's also a compelling personal portrait of an interesting man. DVD extras include a photo gallery. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)