Breathing Underwater (2016): cast, story & where to watch
2016 · Film · ★ 7
Released in 2016, Breathing Underwater is a documentary film directed by Koh Hee-young, running about 77 minutes.
What it’s about. In Jeju Province, located off the southern coast of Korea, are the women of the sea, those who hold breath for life. These women still exist and they still dive the old way, without tanks. They go into the waters of 10- to 20-meter depth to harvest seaweed and shellfish to make a living. They make a living in the same sea, but each haenyeo’s sea of life is different. The community is divided into three tiers- Group A, B and C, based on skills and capabilities. One’s rank is determined by sum or breath. Sum, is pre-determined at birth. Therefore, sum is desired. However, the ocean is harsh. May you desire! But seek what is not yours, the ocean will devour you. Life, for these women of the sea, is about holding one’s breath, and containing and controlling one’s desire. The film is a six year record of the lives of the haenyeos in Udo, an islet in the province of Jeju, known to be the birthplace of haenyeo. It is a close look into the lives that stand on the boundary of life and death.
Who’s in it. Breathing Underwater stars Koh Hee-young as Narrator.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Breathing Underwater has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on OVID. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Breathing Underwater page.
If you liked it. Fans of Breathing Underwater tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Breathing Underwater (2016)?
- In US, Breathing Underwater is available to stream on OVID. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Breathing Underwater worth watching?
- Breathing Underwater holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Breathing Underwater?
- Breathing Underwater stars Koh Hee-young.
- When was Breathing Underwater released?
- Breathing Underwater was released in 2016, with a runtime of about 77 minutes.