The Cove is an eye-opening and deeply moving documentary that follows one man’s quest for redemption. Ric O’Barry, a former dolphin trainer in the 1960s, had a close relationship with the five dolphins he captured and trained to play the title character of the international TV sensation Flipper. After recognizing their deeply sensitive, highly intelligent and self-aware nature, O’Barry realized that these magnificent creatures should not be subjected to human captivity any longer. This mission brought him to Taiji, Japan where he uncovered a dark reality beneath its peaceful surface.
Taiji is home to fishermen who engage in an unseen hunt each night at a remote cove surrounded by barbed wire and “Keep Out” signs. These hunters are driven by a multi-billion dollar dolphin entertainment industry as well as an underhanded market for mercury tainted dolphin meat. The film’s director Louie Psihoyos captures this unethical practice on camera in order to spread awareness of the consequences that could affect human health if this activity continues unabated.
The Cove is produced by Paula DuPre Pesman and Fisher Stevens, with Jim Clark as executive producer and Olivia Ahnemann co-producing. Mark Monroe wrote the screenplay for this powerful documentary which also won awards from multiple film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival (2009) and Academy Awards (2010).
This is an essential film that must be seen in order to understand what’s really happening behind closed doors when it comes to our ocean life. We all need to make an effort towards preserving wildlife in their natural habitats before it’s too late – so take some time off your busy schedule and watch The Cove today!
