Unbelievable. A must-see for divers!

Rating: Null/10 (5 January 2004)

Well, some people try to analyze this film critically, and end up with, well, "interesting" accounts. Don't.
This isn't a regular film. In fact, it isn't like any other film I've ever seen (and apart from diving, I watch lots of movies). It's so different that I can't find the words to describe it. Just feel it. And that is exactly the right word. FEEL. You see, you can say that it's kitschy, and that the soundtrack is this and that, and that there are may dull moments - but again, things that count in regular films don't count in this one. Have you ever felt what it's like to float, absolutely float in this mystical blue around you? It wraps and holds you, and you just stay there. You are surrounded by the bluest of light, and it's everywhere you look. Only when you get out of the water you realize how much your scuba gear weighs (I envy free-divers... :) ). Underwater, just for a while, you can close your eyes and imagine that you're not a limited human being anymore, just for some short, precious moments. And to think that Jacques Mayol did that all the time... He really belongs more to the sea than to us.
So watch the movie thinking about that. Feel arms around you when Jacques and Johanna make love; feel how water encircles you when Jacques dives with the dolphins; and cry with Johanna when he doesn't come back. And yes, for him, it's the best of endings, because he doesn't belong here, and the sea always takes back what's hers.
Praise Jacques Mayol!