Jago: A Life Underwater

Jago: A Life Underwater is a distinctive 2015 documentary film that paints a vivid and compelling portrait of an extraordinary individual's life and the hyperreal realm he inhabits. The movie presents a rare and mesmerizing fusion of a human-centric narrative and nature film, highlighting an unconventional lifestyle that few can imagine, yet alone comprehend.

Introducing the main protagonist, Rohani, an 80-year-old hunter who prowls the coral reefs in the Bajau sea, this cultural biopic is set in the spectacular Sulawesi Sea in Indonesia. Jago, the film's title, approximates to the English ‘master’ or ‘expert’ - a fitting moniker for Rohani, who has dedicated his life to braving the undersea world with nothing more than a simple pair of goggles and a hand-crafted harpoon.

The movie unfolds Rohani's story that presents a compelling link between mankind and nature and draws an intricate map of life as an underwater hunter. From early childhood, Rohani had been groomed to develop an intimate relationship with the sea. He has spent eight decades of his life on the ocean, developing amazing diving skills, hunting marine animals, and gathering spine-chilling experiences that most of us could barely fathom.

Jago: A Life Underwater draws the viewer into Rohani's universe with intimacy and intrigue. The narrative switches seamlessly between the past and present, layering the story with a rich texture of memories and lived experiences. Juxtaposed with the vibrant underwater cinematography of the documentary are dramatized recollections from Rohani’s past, casting light on how this octogenarian became a respected and masterful diver. These historical sequences are not only stylistically distinct but are also played out by Rohani and his family, thereby lending the film an authentic, deeply personal quality.

The allure of the film is dramatically intensified by its breathtaking visuals. The film’s underwater scenes are shot with such exquisite detail and finesse that it’s easy to become completely lost in them. One is thrust into a world that is starkly beautiful yet unforgiving, a combination that makes for compelling viewing. Equally captivating is the depiction of life on the Bajau islands, which provides a stark contrast to the vibrant world beneath the water's surface.

As the narrative delves into Rohani’s world, it subtly highlights the changing times. It mirrors the vast generational chasm between Rohani and his youngest grandchild; one hell-bent on preserving old ways and a legacy, the other wanting to steer away to more modern pursuits. This subplot underscores the impending doom of Bajau traditions, a poignant message that is delicately woven into the storyline.

What makes Jago: A Life Underwater truly unique is its narrative style. Rather than using a conventional voiceover, the entire story is told in Rohani's local dialect, setting a distinctively original tone for the film. This sparks an even deeper connection to the protagonist, as every line he speaks is punctuated with a heavy sense of wisdom and an undercurrent of melancholy as he contemplates the mortality of his culture and himself.

The musical score provides the perfect backdrop for the story. Composed by William Goodchild, the music creates a rhythmic symphony with the visuals, adding layers of depth and texture to the narrative. However, what is groundbreaking is the ‘soundscape’ of the underwater world that the film’s sound designer, Tim Owens, has meticulously created. These auditory elements resonate with the thematic concerns of the story and seamlessly blend with the visuals to evoke a rich sensory experience.

Directed by James Reed, Jago: A Life Underwater is a vividly compelling story of one man and his fascinating bond with the sea. It stands out as a remarkable spectacle that merges the human narrative and natural history genres into a seamless and captivating creation. Its profound depiction of a dying culture, breathtaking visuals, and a haunting narrative affirms the movie a must-watch for fans of documentary filmmaking.