Blackfish

2013, Documentary, 1h 23m

133 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

Blackfish is an aggressive, impassioned documentary that will change the way you look at performance killer whales. Read critic reviews

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Blackfish Photos

Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish (2013)

Blackfish (2013)

(L-R) Samantha Berg, Dean Gomersall, Carol Ray and Jeffrey Ventre in "Blackfish."

Tilikum in "Blackfish."

Dr. Dave Duffus in "Blackfish."

Tilikum in "Blackfish."

A scene from "Blackfish."

View All Photos (26)

Movie Info

The story of Tilikum, a captive killer whale that has taken the lives of several people, underscores problems within the sea-park industry, man's relationship to nature, and how little has been learned about these highly intelligent mammals.

Rating:

PG-13 (Mature Thematic Elements|Disturbing Violent Images)
Genre:

Documentary
Original Language:

English
Director:

Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Producer:

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Manuel Oteyza
Writer:

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, Eli B. Despres, Tim Zimmerman
Release Date (Theaters):

Jul 19, 2013 limited
Release Date (Streaming):

Nov 12, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA):

$2.1M
Runtime:

1h 23m
Distributor:

Magnolia Pictures

Cast & Crew

Tilikum
Self

John Hargrove
Self

Samantha Berg
Self

Mark Simmons
Self

Kim Ashdown
Self

Dean Gomersall
Self

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Blackfish

All Critics (133) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (131) | Rotten (2)

Full Review… Roxana Hadadi Punch Drunk Critics

Full Review… Anthony Quinn Independent (UK)

Full Review… Joshua Rothkopf Time Out

Full Review… Jenny McCartney Daily Telegraph (UK)

Full Review… Geoff Pevere Globe and Mail

Full Review… Thelma Adams Yahoo! Movies

Full Review… Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies

Full Review… Gem Seddon SFX Magazine

Full Review… Kelechi Ehenulo Confessions From A Geek Mind

Full Review… Tom Meek Cambridge Day

Full Review… Katie Smith-Wong Flick Feast

Full Review… Ryan Syrek The Reader (Omaha, NE)

View All Critic Reviews (133)

Audience Reviews for Blackfish

Jun 29, 2016

Blackfish is an eye-opening exploit drenched in heartbreak and controversy as it explores the extent of captivity. A documentary hell-bent on impact and change that is both memorable and provoking. 4.5/5

Eugene B Super Reviewer
Feb 20, 2016

This doco shows what majestic intelligent creatures orca are and makes a strong case against holding them in captivity.

Juli R Super Reviewer
Apr 06, 2014

From what I hear it is one sided, but it will make you not even want to consider going to a water park with these animals again.

Vincent T Super Reviewer
Mar 05, 2014

A heart-wrenching, truly saddening documentary which concerns the corrupt practices of SeaWorld, notably how they put the well-being of their trainers on the line in the name of money and profits. This film is geared to get the viewer angry, and it does that by giving many examples of how SeaWorld knew what they were doing was wrong, but still lied about it to cover their own tracks. The death of Dawn Brancheau and how they have the gaul to blame her for her demise instead of the killer whale that viciously murdered her. It is a heavy film, at times threatening to pummel the viewer down into submission, but ultimately is an effective one that will not leave you quickly.

Dan S Super Reviewer

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