Documentaries have the power to introduce viewers to stories they may not have encountered before. They come forward with brilliant ideas, traditions, and challenges for communities that may not be known. One such documentary is by Sue Kim The Last of the Sea Womenwhich tells the story of a community named Haenyeo divers in South Korea. Maybe some of you know about the community and know what they are doing. But most of you don’t know why they do this and how their lives are affected by climate change and other challenges. Known as “real-life mermaids,” these remarkable female divers have been diving into the depths of the sea for centuries now collecting seafood. The documentary, produced by fierce women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai, creatively captures their lives and struggles to protect the oceans in a rapidly changing world.
The Last of the Sea Women begins with a scenic view of Jeju Island in South Korea where we see women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s wearing swimsuits and getting ready to dive deep into the ocean. Shockingly, they sink into the sea without the aid of oxygen tanks. Yes, you read that right. They do not use oxygen tanks to enter the water and collect sea urchins and other marine animals. It’s amazing how these women did this, but it’s also important to understand that if they hadn’t, they probably wouldn’t have been able to live this long. The 1 hour and 29 minute documentary delves deep into the world of Haenyeo divers and tells viewers about their rich history while reflecting on the challenges they face in preserving their future.
In the beginning, the film shows the older generation waking up every morning to take a dip in the sea. However, it is not easy for them to do this every day because of their age. While the elders defy all odds to continue their work, the younger generation finds it difficult to carry forward their legacy. However, some brave young women have taken it upon themselves to continue this work and mix modern things to raise awareness about it. This is one of the features there The Last of the Sea Women is at the forefront and shows how the new generation is using social media to inform people about Haenyeo and the hardships they face. Young Haenyeos upload their dives, and personal stories on social media to encourage more young women to enjoy their heritage. Sue Kim manages to strike a balance between the past and the present, taking viewers on a journey that is both reminiscent and a call to action.
Official production photo from ‘The Last of the Sea Women’ (Image Credit: Apple)
Another feature that does The Last of the Sea Women the moving film is how it portrays the relationship between Haenyeo. Even though things are getting more difficult for them day by day, they continue to accept their way of life by teasing each other and making jokes. Additionally, the friendship between Haenyeo is fun and inspiring. Whether they’re on the island getting ready to dive or warming up after a long day in the ocean, their resilience and unwavering support for each other shines through. It is proof of how great things can be achieved when the community comes together and works without greed and envy. Again, the director does a great job of capturing those simple moments and goes beyond just following their lives. Of course, this documentary is about the Haenyeo community, but it’s also about these women who break all stereotypes of how women should live their lives. It’s about their ambitions, the challenges they’ve faced throughout their lives, and the pride they have in their work.
Women have been facing many barriers throughout the history of mankind and they had to carve their own way and break all the chains so that people understand that they can do the things that their male counterparts do. Kim did an amazing job crafting this story about the independence and strength of these brave women, and it’s so amazing to see older women being portrayed as the heroes of their own stories.
Visually, this is one of the best documentaries you will ever see. Credited to cinematographer Justin Turkowski for excellent underwater shots and capturing the lush beauty of the ocean. In addition, he masterfully captures the physical endurance required to enter the ocean. Meanwhile, music enhances the visual experience and complements these images.
All in all, Sue Kim’s The Last of the Sea Women it is a rare tale of determination and self-confidence. It not only shows the Haenyeo community, it also shows how they are making efforts to inform the world that the oceans are in danger and need to be protected. It is a wonderful tribute to women who continue to break stereotypes and leave a lasting impression in the minds of viewers.
The Last of the Sea Women premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
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