“The Last of the Sea Women”

Shining light on different cultures around the world is one of the best things about films like “The Last of the Sea Women,” a fascinating documentary that immerses viewers into the world of the haenyeo, elderly female divers off South Korea’s Jeju Island who have been harvesting seafood for centuries. Directed by Sue Kim, the film beautifully captures the passion and dedication of these women as they fight to protect their sea and livelihood amidst changing times and increasing ocean pollution.

Roughly 4,000 haenyeo remain today, and most are older women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. It’s a dangerous and physically demanding job that few young women today are willing to risk their lives for, making this way of life increasingly rare (it’s incredible that so many older women are still keeping the tradition alive). The film highlights their worries about their rapidly dwindling numbers and the cultural heritage at risk.

These women hold an exalted status in a traditionally patriarchal society, and the film depicts the haenyeo subjects in her film as both vulnerable and incredibly resilient, which they are.

The documentary features excellent underwater photography, making you feel as though you’re diving right alongside these real-life mermaids. It’s nothing short of remarkable to see these elderly women diving with very minimal equipment, as they are trained to free dive by holding their breath for up to two minutes without oxygen tanks.

Kim’s storytelling is exceptional, though the documentary can feel repetitive when discussing climate change and the warming oceans. Both are important issues that cannot be ignored, but it feels like she’s going off on a tangent that feels a bit preachy. The film is most compelling when it delves into the early history of the haenyeo and follows them in their current line of work, depicting their daily struggles and triumphs.

I love learning new things about the world, and “The Last of the Sea Women” is an emotional journey that leaves you fervently rooting for the preservation of these gutsy and noble warriors of the sea. It’s a sobering reminder of the fragility of cultural traditions in the face of environmental and societal changes, and it’s a loving tribute to women who are certified badasses.

By: Louisa Moore