Breathing Underwater
물숨
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
Jeonju International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Koh Hee-young
- Original Score
- Ryo Kunihiko
- Original Title
- 물숨
- Country of Origin
- South Korea, France
- Release Date
- 29/09/2016
- Spoken Languages
- Korean
- Runtime
- 1h 17m
- Production Studios
- Jinjin Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Koh Hee-young
Ryo Kunihiko
Koh Hee-young
Gary Byung-seok Kam
Department Leadership Roster
Koh Hee-young
Director
Koh Hee-young
Editor
Gary Byung-seok Kam
Producer
Ryo Kunihiko
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Breathing Underwater.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breathing Underwater
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Breathing Underwater 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 directed Breathing Underwater?
Breathing Underwater was directed by Koh Hee-young.
Who stars in Breathing Underwater?
The principal cast of Breathing Underwater includes Koh Hee-young.
When was Breathing Underwater released and how long is it?
Breathing Underwater was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 1h 17m.
Who composed the musical score for Breathing Underwater?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Breathing Underwater was composed by Ryo Kunihiko.