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The Cove

Play trailer Poster for The Cove PG-13 2009 1h 31m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
95% Tomatometer 133 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.
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The Cove

The Cove

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Critics Consensus

Though decidedly one-sided, The Cove is an impeccably crafted, suspenseful expose of the covert slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

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Critics Reviews

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Christine Champ Film.com 05/06/2011
A-
The Cove does what every great documentary with a cause should: It educates, entertains, and inspires audiences to take action. Go to Full Review Edward Porter The Times (UK) 10/30/2009
5/5
Restrained and harrowing. Go to Full Review Philip Wilding Empire Magazine 10/23/2009
4/5
A taut, thrilling documentary that plays out like a heist movie while never overshadowing its message or activist credentials. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 08/28/2023
4/4
Though the thriller aspects work to create an unexpected level of suspense, what is shown in the film delivers the cause’s most powerful blow. Go to Full Review Tom Meek Cambridge Day 06/11/2020
3.5/4
Disturbing beyond its graphic nature namely because of the widespread complicity in the town and unwavering cruelty. Go to Full Review Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper 01/24/2020
In this thriller-doc, the entertainment value of a heist flick combines with the merits of a cause. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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NotaRein T @RT08911083 08/18/2024 Dolphins are real life unicorns of the sea, if unicorns were real we would hunt them too. Dolphins are being killed for meat, even though it is extremely poisonous - filled with mercury. This meat is brought as mandatory food to children in schools or alternatively sold under the guise of whale meat. What can one even say to this? In this documentary you learn how intelligent dolphins are, and then hear their unique screams as they are being murdered. Blood baths are committed for unknown, and vague reasons like national pride. This is done in secret, and most people living around the areas have no idea. See more Bahad j @RT27093708 08/07/2024 This idea of ​​the film shooting technique director made the film more attractive to people. See more T T @RT05373960 08/07/2024 是的时候是最大谷歌胡雨雨雨雨后彩虹🌈？是的一款适合夏天使用率较多滴小宝宝都可以理解的感觉真的好 See more Gnr E @RT37822449 08/01/2024 This movie deserved more than a 5 star ngl See more Geke g @RT40239519 07/28/2024 No wonder why this film’s review is so high. 5 star. See more Munkhchimeg T @RT64187897 07/27/2024 Come and watch the animal friendly people. Very informative and inspire us to take some action against some cruel things. See more Read all reviews
The Cove

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Cast & Crew

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Louie Psihoyos

Director

Hayden Panettiere

Self

Isabel Lucas

Self

Louie Psihoyos

Self

Richard O'Barry

Self

Paul Watson

Self

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The Cove

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.
Director
Louie Psihoyos
Producer
Paula Dupré Pesmen, Fisher Stevens
Screenwriter
Mark Monroe
Distributor
Roadside Attractions
Production Co
Diamond Docs
Rating
PG-13 (Disturbing Content)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 31, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$869.7K
Runtime
1h 31m