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Deep Dive: The Cove (2009)

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The Cove
The Cove is a documentary directed by Louie Psihoyos that examines dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. It follows Ric O'Barry, a former dolphin trainer who became an activist after witnessing the suicide of a dolphin he had trained for the television series 'Flipper.' The film reveals the brutal methods used in the dolphin drive hunts and the impact of these practices on dolphin populations, asserting that 23,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed annually in Japan. Filmed secretly in 2007, The Cove employs high-definition cameras and underwater microphones to capture the hunting process. The documentary argues that these hunts are unnecessary and cruel, calling for a halt to the mass killings and urging changes in Japanese fishing practices. The film received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010 and has been both praised and criticized for its approach and portrayal of Japanese culture.

Why Watch

  • •Follow Ric O'Barry's fight against dolphin hunting
  • •See the secretive dolphin drive hunts in Taiji
  • •Meet the activists challenging Japanese fishing practices

Did You Know

•23,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed in Japan each year.
•The Cove won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010.
•Ric O'Barry was arrested in Bimini for attempting to free a captured dolphin.
•The film was filmed secretly in 2007 using disguised high-definition cameras.

Perfect For

Ocean conservationAnimal rights activismMarine biologyDocumentary enthusiasts