Jago: A Life Underwater (2015) User Reviews

Movie completed with passion and a sense of realism, similar soundtrack to Interstellar.

[casper-56162 · 7/10 · 29 June 2018]

Excellent movie, made with passion. Realistic and complete. There is one thing I noticed though. At roughly the 18 minute 15 second mark, whilst he is spearfishing underwater, there is a piece of soft, intriguing music played in the background. I believe this song is greatly influenced by Hand Zimmer's "Cornfield Chase" from Interstellar (2014). Although I am not sure who wrote the music for this movie, and if this particular piece was written before Hand Zimmer's work, it was something I very clearly noticed.

Indonesian underwater sealife

[deloudelouvain · 6/10 · 8 May 2018]

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.

better than BLIE PLANET 2

[mohitvdya · 8/10 · 30 August 2018]

Honestly this title says it correct. when planet earth was released i was azed by its cinematography...absolutely splendid. (those who have seen it, knows what kind of stuff am talking about) then Blue planet 2 released in cinemas and i was hoping for that breathtaking work...but honestly it was not up to the mark as it was marketed. (its really good but you know something is missing in it).

now getting back to the JAGO ..this movie is promising both visually and with story too. This is not avengers movie or a big budget hollywood blockbuster ..it deals with real men..real stories...with not so vfx that oomph you. however, movie offers you awesome cinematic shots (some of them are really not seen so far in ocean based movies) . Summing up - this is simple and visually pleasing movie.

Simple, poetic and beautiful.

[theredmare · 10/10 · 25 May 2017]

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.

Wow, Just Wow!!!!!

[BenPMitchell · 10/10 · 14 October 2018]

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!

Beautiful scenery, great camera work

[Gordon-11 · 18 August 2018]

This documentary tells a great diver in Indonesia, who spends his live diving into the beautiful waters to catch fish.

The scenery is really beautiful, and furthermore it is fantastically presented to the viewers. All the angles, framing, lighting and back lighting are just superb, making very scene picture perfect. The story is great as well. Putting Rohani's dive right at the last builds anticipation. I really enjoyed it.

Pressing reefs in underwater shots

[muratyikilmaz · 7/10 · 13 June 2020]

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.

must see

[coenrad-91551 · 10/10 · 28 April 2018]

I watched this film over and over again. i think this is a very very good film. music wise. cindemaphotograpy yes. it touches feeling too. thanks to james reed and team.

A Masterpiece

[sumeda-dealwis · 10/10 · 18 January 2019]

Highly recommended. The camera work, footage, music combined with the simplicity makes this a masterpiece.

The Master

[lyndapickersgill · 10/10 · 28 February 2019]

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.

The Old Man and the Sea - Redux

[World-viewer · 10/10 · 26 March 2021]

The other commentators have covered it. Just want to add - the hard, diving dude who is the focus of the film, who narrates his story - wow - he is a real poet. (And any guy who uses a block of wood as a pillow is hardcore in my book). If he weren't fishing with a spear at the bottom of the sea, he could have given most we take to be great authors, a good run for their money. His captivating dialogue alone is worth the 10 stars, let alone the hauntingly beautiful scenes underwater, as well as the beautiful yet poignant story of one of the Bajau people. What a documentary! What a film! Bravo!! Masterpiece.