Watch The Cove

In 2009, the film The Cove was released, directed by Louie Psihoyos and starring Richard O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos, and Hardy Jones. The movie aims to raise awareness about the illegal dolphin hunting that takes place in Taiji, Japan, by shining a light on the efforts of a group of activists to expose the dark truth behind it. The Cove follows the journey of Richard O'Barry, a former dolphin trainer who was responsible for capturing and training the dolphins used in the popular television show Flipper. After one of the dolphins he had trained died in his arms, O'Barry realized the error of his ways and became an advocate for dolphin welfare. He has spent the last few decades campaigning against dolphin captivity and trying to raise awareness about their intelligence and the cruelty of keeping them in captivity.

The film begins with O'Barry on a mission to expose the annual dolphin hunt that takes place in Taiji, Japan. Despite it being illegal in many countries, the Japanese government allows the hunting of dolphins and small whales for either meat or captivity. The process involves herding the dolphins into a cove, where they are trapped and then slaughtered using various methods. O'Barry recruits a team of filmmakers, activists, and experts, including Psihoyos and Jones, to help him document and expose the horrific slaughter that takes place in the cove.

The activists face various obstacles on their mission, including threats of arrest and violence from the authorities and the fishermen. The team uses hidden cameras and underwater microphones to capture footage of the hunt, revealing the brutal reality behind the picturesque coastal town of Taiji. They even hire professional divers equipped with high-tech cameras to capture footage of the secretive cove.

The film is both shocking and emotional, with the footage of the dolphin hunt being difficult to watch for many. The team highlights the fact that many of the dolphins that are caught and killed are young and healthy, and that they could be used in a more positive way. The film also deals with the issue of dolphin captivity, with O'Barry pointing out that the capture of wild dolphins for commercial purposes is cruel and inhumane.

The Cove was not only successful in shining a light on the dolphin hunt in Taiji but also in raising awareness of animal welfare issues worldwide. The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010. It has also inspired other activists to take action against similar practices in other parts of the world.

Overall, The Cove is a powerful and emotional film that highlights the need to protect wildlife and the environment. It is a call to action for people to stand up against animal cruelty and exploitation. The film features several interviews with experts in marine biology and animal welfare and provides an informative look into the plight of dolphins worldwide. It is a must-watch for anyone who cares about animal conservation and the protection of the oceans.

The Cove is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4 and a MetaScore of 84.