The Last Catch
Director: Markus CM Schmidt
Rating: 3.5/5
The Last Catch is a documentary that has been playing fell on the festival circuit, and it opened the UK Green Film Festival over the weekend.
The movie sees Markus CM Schmidt in the director's chair, as he brings the plight of the bluefin tuna to the big screen.
The Last Catch looks at the shocking reality facing the bluefin tuna species. This movie looks not only at the depleting numbers of tuna, but also at the fisherman who are struggling to make a living from this trade.
We have heard the stories about the wild stocks of tuna being on the verge of collapse for many years, but The Last Catch really does ram home just how serious an issue this is.
However, this is not a film about science and numbers; this is a story about real life and how the depleting number of fish is having on the lives and jobs of the men who fish for them.
The Last Catch is a movie as much about economics as it is about the problems in the water, as the fisherman struggle to make money: they really are finding it tough to put food on the table.
We also hear the side of the story from the point of view of environmental activist Roberto Mielgo: he is battling to put an end to fishing for tuna during the spawning season.
And while he does raise some very important issues, you never side with him as a member of the audience: there is something incredibly unlikable about him.
The Last Catch is a movie that does suffer with some pacing problems - which is a little frustrating as a viewer: the story really does slow to a crawl from time to time.
Overall, it is an interesting tale about and incredibly though provoking subject.
It is one of those movies that really will get people talking, as the director taps into a widespread global problem.
Couple that with some truly stunning underwater footage: Schmidt really has painted a serene and peaceful place beneath the waves; which is beautifully contrasted to the threat above.
The Last Catch really is an interesting watch that will leave you asking many questions when the credits roll.
The Last Catch is part of the UK Green Film Festival.