Childhood friends Jacques and Enzo share a passion for the danger of free diving. Jacques, following in the footsteps of his father, who died at sea when Jacques was a boy, harbors a remarkable ability to adjust his heart rate and breathing patterns in the water, with his vital signs more closely resembling those of dolphins than men.
Cinematography
Underwater sequences that feel genuinely alien and holy.
Score
Eric Serra's synth-odyssey—ridiculous, perfect, unforgettable.
Acting
Jean Reno's volcanic charm vs. Barr's ethereal emptiness.
Director
Luc Besson
Jean-Marc Barr
Jacques Mayol
Jean Reno
Enzo Molinari
Rosanna Arquette
Johana Baker
Paul Shenar
Dr. Laurence
Sergio Castellitto
Novelli
Jean Bouise
Uncle Louis
Marc Duret
Roberto
Griffin Dunne
Duffy
Valentina Vargas
Bonita
Kimberly Beck
Sally
Alessandra Vazzoler
La Mamma
Andréas Voutsinas
Priest
Patrick Fontana
Alfredo
Geoffrey Carey
Supervisor
Jan Rouiller
Noireuter
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Besson and star Jean-Marc Barr were real-life diving buddies; much of Jacques's physiology was based on Mayol's actual records.
The American theatrical cut hacked 40 minutes and added a happy ending—Besson disowned it entirely.
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