Jago: A Life Underwater

Jago is a (too) short documentary on an eighty year old Indonesian fish hunter. That's what you're expecting to see anyway. The reality is an absolutely mesmerising visual autobiography and a masterpiece in cinematographic storytelling. The set is an old man in his hut, relating his youth and how he came to be who he is. Subtitles unfold to the rhythm of his voice, and a re-enactment, as artistic as any award winning film, replay the story as if it was a very vivid prehistoric mythology. Sometimes the story carries on entirely visually, along with a superb musical score. Nothing is spelled out, dissected or explained. A shimmer in the water, a sparkling bubble, a teenage smile or a tear in the eyes of the old man say it all without any need for words. The story itself is a real life story and is quite simple, but it is all weaved like a poem and indeed the hero is a poet. Again, most is left unsaid and it is up to you to retrieve it, it's all there in a non verbal form. Simple it may be but no less elating nor harrowing.

Can I just add how beautiful that part of the world is, and how young and beautiful that old man truly is.

45 minutes you will never forget.

I can say that the story of this 48-minute documentary film is pure and simple to watch by anyone. However, I was seriously disturbed when I watched the hunters touch and press the reefs in underwater shooting. I think this situation contradicts what Jago, who thinks the sea is angry because he hunts with a net, hunts in different places in order not to disturb the balance.

What an experience a privilege to watch this skilful man way of life. I was totally absorbed in his story and the superb cinematography. This story looks so simply but this is deceiving it's full of heart fill of knowledge and most of all full of spirit. If you get the chance to see this masterpiece grab it and prepared to be amazed and blown away by Jago and the film crew who together have excelled with storytelling at it's best.

Just watched Jago with my Indonesian girlfriend and sat absolutely spellbound for the duration.This isn't a big budget blockbuster with a cast to die for, Just 1 man, a fishing rod and his memories. Together the combine to tell a story and then some! Not a computer game, mobile phone or internet in sight! This film brings home and makes you realise just how privileged us in the west are, and how there are still people out there living, and surviving in a world few Westerners can relate too, myself included! Jaw dropping scenery and photography make the film an absolute must! English subtitles are no problem, although it did help having some to translate explain certain things the subtitles didn't cover. Absolute amazing, 10/10, 5 Stars!

Jago: A Life Underwater isn't bad as a documentary but I was expecting more underwater scenes and lesser taking about Jago, the eighty yeear old fisherman. Not that it is not interesting to watch but I'd rather watch all kinds of fishes and underwater creatures than a not that good looking old guy talking about his life. I was just not expecting that. But it's all well shot, with some spectacular images, so for that it's certainly worth a watch. But there are much better documentaries about underwater life. In this one it is interesting to watch what's happening underwater in the Togian Islands of Indonesia but like I said it could have used more diversity of sealife instead of divers and fishermen.