Playing With Sharks

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2:04

Playing With Sharks

2021

1h 35m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

45 Reviews

98%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Photographer Valerie Taylor becomes a trailblazing advocate for the ocean's most maligned and misunderstood creatures.

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Critics Consensus

A fascinating tribute to a pioneer as well as an engrossing act of environmental advocacy, Playing with Sharks makes up in enjoyment what it lacks in depth.

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Alonso Duralde

TheWrap

12/03/2021

A front-row look at an extraordinary life.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

08/02/2021

3/4

Taylor's tireless commitment to [her] cause and her love for what the seas offer are inspiring for young and old alike.

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Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

07/23/2021

Are we meant to recoil from sharks or care for them? Likely some of both, but the documentary comes out looking unsure.

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Mark R. Leeper

Mark Leeper's Reviews

09/18/2022

8/10

PLAYING WITH SHARKS--THE VALERIE TAYLOR STORY, from National Geographic, tells the story of Valerie Taylor, who has worked to educate the world about sharks, and to promote conservation efforts for them.

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Cody Dericks

Next Best Picture

07/07/2022

5/10

It doesn't...dive as deep on such an important subject as Taylor warrants. While it features undeniably interesting historical moments, the filmmaking on display...does not equal Taylor and her colleagues' archival footage in aquatic action.

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Zofia Wijaszka

Daily Dead

02/11/2022

A

Playing with Sharks is a must-watch for everybody. Its a film that gives us an interesting insight into the life of one amazing woman and highlights the beauty of the ocean creatures that deserve a better reputation.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 07/27/2025

Real footage in 1 hour and 35 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Megan e

@RT58906942 07/11/2024

Fascinating documentary about a trailblazer in ocean discovery! I love that when people turned her work into something ugly, she doubled down and put herself at risk to prove them wrong. Definitely worth watching! 5 stars

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brad p

@Bradster69 07/16/2022

Captivating Doc ‘Playing with Sharks' Chronicles Australian Icon and ‘Jaws' Impact

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Michael W

@mawilps 09/22/2021

This nature documentary was really good. The entire crew did a fantastic job in bringing the story of conservationist Valerie Taylor to life. It was intense, inspirational, and incredible. It's about how great nature can be even if it can be dangerous. After watching this, it made me love sharks because they can be more than just a threat. People need to realize that even though nature can be dangerous at times, doesn't mean it's always going to be dangerous. It can be on of the most incredible things you would ever see. If you're a Disney+ member, you should definitely watch this documentary sometime. It's a definite must see.

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Sally Aitken

Director

Ron Taylor

Actor

Valerie Taylor

Self

Sally Aitken

Writer

Bettina Dalton

Producer

Anna Godas

Executive Producer

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Playing With Sharks: Trailer 1

2:04

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Synopsis

Photographer Valerie Taylor becomes a trailblazing advocate for the ocean's most maligned and misunderstood creatures.

Director: Sally Aitken
Producer: Bettina Dalton
Screenwriter: Sally Aitken
Production Co: Wildbear Entertainment
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 23, 2021
Runtime: 1h 35m