Sharkwater

In Sharkwater, Rob Stewart transforms the nature documentary into a work of protest. Trained as an underwater photographer, the telegenic Canadian claims a lifelong affinity for sharks, arguing that "the one animal we fear the most is the one we can't live without." As marine biologists attest here, the ocean requires predators, and the decimation of sharks—which aren't subject to the same protections as, say, the cuddlier panda—upsets a delicate balance. Over the four year period covered in Sharkwater, Stewart speaks with both conservationists and hunters, corrects false impressions (sharks are more fearful of humans than the reverse), and disentangles a number of sharks from fishing nets (aside from the perceived menace, fishers target them for shark fin soup, a pricey Asian delicacy). Viewers will even witness some action-adventure when Stewart joins activist Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to stop illegal poaching in Guatemala (he also travels to Ecuador and Costa Rica). Although Stewart might not appreciate the comparison, his unmitigated faith in this dangerous creature sometimes recalls Grizzly Man's Timothy Treadwell, especially when he swims with the sharks—in Speedos. Clearly aiming to upset viewers, Stewart's documentary also captures the killing of seals and sea turtles in a film that toggles between high-def beauty and bloody cruelty, fully earning the PG rating for this theatrical release. DVD extras include an interview with the filmmaker, a “making-of” featurette, and 1964's “Shark Defense” (a military training film). Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)