[Docu]The Cove

[Dem]

In a sleepy lagoon off the coast of Japan lies a shocking secret that a few desperate men will stop at nothing to keep hidden from the world. In Taiji, Japan, former dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry has come to set things right after a long search for redemption. In the 1960s, it was O'Barry who captured and trained the 5 dolphins who played the title character in the international television sensation "Flipper." One fateful day, a heartbroken Barry came to realize that these deeply sensitive, highly intelligent and self-aware creatures must never be subjected to human captivity again. This mission has brought him to Taiji, a town that appears to be devoted to the wonders and mysteries of the sleek, playful dolphins and whales that swim off their coast. But in a remote, glistening cove, surrounded by barbed wire and "Keep Out" signs, lies a dark reality. It is here, under cover of night, that the fishermen of Taiji, driven by a multi-billion dollar dolphin entertainment industry and an underhanded market for mercury-tainted dolphin meat, engage in an unseen hunt. The nature of what they do is so chilling and the consequences are so dangerous to human health that they will go to great lengths to halt anyone from seeing it.
-IMDB.com

Just watched this documentary and quite enjoyed it. Although it does tell the tale of some horrifying acts, it's presented in a thrilling movie-kind of way, instead of a confrontational guilt driven presentation like that of (for example) Earthlings. It's more personal, following a team of activists on a mission to capture 'the cove' on tape, and expose its slaughter. The way they go about is very Mission Impossible-esque, putting emphasis on the horror of the act and the importance of the mission, and not trying to make you feel bad about going to Burger King, making the movie easier to swallow and actually enjoy (as far as that's possible).

It's got some funny moments with Private Space and the whole secret mission thing is awesome.

Also, it has a crying Hayden Panettiere (Claire from Heroes), which is cool. She's in it for like 2 frames :P
Trailer (Including crying Hayden)


If anybody's seen it, I'd like to hear what you thought about it It reminded me a bit of Sharkwater (great documentary about sharks, with stunning HD footage).

[Sensational]

Is this one of those documentaries where some people whine about dolphins being killed, and this being so horrible because they're cuter than other sea living creatures?

[Dem]

In its essence, yes it is. Although it's not really because it's cuter, but because they're self aware... supposedly. If you want to see a documentary about fish in general, I'd suggest "The End of the line". It's not as 'thrilling' or intriguing as this one, but its still interesting. No funny Japanese screaming guy tho

Sharkwater is about sharks, also amazing docu. Also has funny japanese people in it. I guess the clue to me liking a documentary is having funny japs in it.

[Sensational]

Originally Posted by Dem

Although it's not really because it's cuter, but because they're self aware... supposedly..

Meh

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