Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Trailblazing scuba diver makes a splash in sea docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Playing with Sharks
What's the Story?
PLAYING WITH SHARKS is a documentary about groundbreaking deep sea diver Valerie Taylor. The Australian native becomes a champion in the male-dominated sport of spearfishing during the 1950s. Valerie and her husband Ron also lend their expertise to help make the blockbuster film Jaws. The 1975 movie, however, brings about an unexpected change in the course of their careers, and they soon head off to the world of marine life conservation, protecting sharks and preserving sea habitats.
Is It Any Good?
In this thrilling ocean documentary, a female scuba diver reflects on her remarkable image as a marine life trailblazer. "The first time I could ever see underwater, I was 14 years old, and I saw a piece of kelp," recalls Playing with Sharks star Valerie Taylor. "I thought it was amazing…and I knew I had to see more." She soon surfaces to the top as a spearfishing champion and films shark scenes for Steven Spielberg's Jaws before choosing to become a conservationist and friend of sea creatures. "Spearfishing was nerve-racking," notes Taylor, "but every single step along the way was an adventure, a step into the unknown. And every time you did it, you came out with a little more knowledge."
Playing with Sharks not only offers an informative, eye-opening viewing experience for kids and families, but also the chance to participate in engaging deep-dive discussions about Taylor's exceptional life journey.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Valerie Taylor in Playing with Sharks. How does she also demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What may have been the reasons for the Jaws filmmakers to depict sharks as violent animals? Why was it important for Valerie and her husband Ron to inform the public about shark behavior misinformation?
Why do the Taylors leave their spearfishing life behind for the world of befriending sharks and sea conservationism? How can kids go about pursuing interests and careers in the marine life sciences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 29, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : July 23, 2021
- Cast : Valerie Taylor
- Director : Sally Aitken
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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