Keiko
Keiko

Keiko

1979Movie119 minJapanese

Keiko is a 23-year-old lonely virgin who lives in a tiny room, and hopes to meet someone in the cafe she frequents. After a bad affair with one of the other diners, she vows to give up men. She then begins a happy lesbian relationship with her co-worker Kazuyo. However she is under constant pressure from her father to marry.

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IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users92%
Director: Takahisa TamuraGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary follows Keiko, an orca whale, from her capture in the waters off Iceland to her life in captivity. It chronicles her training, performances, and the emotional and physical toll of her confinement. The film explores the complex relationship between humans and marine mammals, raising questions about animal welfare and entertainment.

Critical Reception

"Keiko" received critical acclaim for its powerful and poignant portrayal of an iconic marine mammal. Reviewers praised its unflinching look at the realities of captivity and its impact on Keiko's well-being. The documentary is considered a landmark film in the discussion surrounding marine park ethics and has resonated deeply with audiences concerned about animal rights.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and ethically significant documentary.
  • Raises critical questions about animal captivity and entertainment.
  • Features a heartbreaking yet compelling performance by Keiko.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise "Keiko" for its emotional impact and the important ethical discussions it sparks. Many viewers expressed sadness over Keiko's fate but commended the film for bringing awareness to the realities of captivity. The documentary is frequently cited as a catalyst for change in how marine animals are treated.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards (1980). Won the Golden Bear for Best Documentary at the Berlin International Film Festival (1980).

Fun Fact

The film's release significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Keiko's eventual release and rehabilitation efforts, which were later the subject of the feature film "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home" and the biopic "Keiko the Killer Whale".

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