KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Last of the Sea Women’ is an enlightening documentary

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SALT LAKE CITY — The oceans and I have not been friends since “Jaws.”

Yes, I know that was a long time ago, the summer of 1975 to be exact, but I still can’t convince myself to get into waters where deadly predators might mistake me for a Scooby snack. It’s just not a temptation I’m willing to ignore.

Perhaps that’s why I’m so enamored with a fading group of South Korean lady divers, called “haenyeo,” who comb the ocean floor off the coast of Jeju Island each morning for seafood to eat and to sell.

They’ve been doing it forever. The tradition dates back to the 14th Century. Some of them are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s — starting when they were pre-teens. One of them is 90 years old, going out every day, gathering a variety of mollusks, seaweed and other sea life, then returning to the shore to harvest the goods for sale or consumption.

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They consider it a sacred calling, one that men used to do before they realized how much work was involved. The women joke about that quite a bit, but everyone on the island knows that it’s true.

Keep in mind that these fierce women will free dive 30, 40 or 50 feet on one breath of air, holding it for up to two minutes. No tanks, no air hoses, just determination, wet suits and face masks — and they love it.

However, in recent years, they have run into a few big problems.

The supply of seafood is dwindling, harder to find, and more difficult to keep up with demand. Also, few young women are willing to learn these old ways. Sure, there are a couple of TikTok influencers, who’ve paid their dues and have earned the respect of their elders, but new blood entering the craft is scarce. Even a school designed to teach the ways of the haenyeo gets good early attendance, but eventually, 80 percent of the eager students turn away when they experience how difficult a job it will be.

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The third major issue is neighboring Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was inundated by a tsunami in 2011. Officials say the treated water meets all environmental requirements, but they also know that a substance called Tritium cannot be eliminated, though they say small amounts should not be considered dangerous.

Oh boy. Famous last words. The South Koreans aren’t buying it, even sending one of the haenyeo legends to testify before a NATO committee in Switzerland. She became a national hero, but I’m afraid her words fell on deaf ears.

Now it remains to be seen if the “last of the sea women” will indeed be the last of their breed. Hopefully this Apple TV + documentary will shed more light on this difficult, developing story, but I, for one, have a whole new appreciation for these brave, noble women and the tough tasks they both endure and enjoy.

THE LAST OF THE SEA WOMEN is not rated. Featuring the real haenyeo women of South Korea’s Jeju Island. Written and directed by Sue Kim in her feature-length documentary debut. Filmed in South Korea and Switzerland. Running time: 87 minutes. An Apple TV + exclusive.

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.