The Cove
The Cove

Movie spotlight

The Cove

2009
Movie
92 min
English

The Cove tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of individuals, films makers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate the hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The shocking discoveries were only the tip of the iceberg.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users89%
Director: Louie PsihoyosGenres: Documentary, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

This eye-opening documentary follows a team of activists and filmmakers as they infiltrate a secluded cove in Taiji, Japan, to expose the annual dolphin hunt. Using covert tactics and advanced technology, they capture disturbing footage of the brutal slaughter of thousands of dolphins, many of which are captured for marine parks and aquariums. The film highlights the ecological dangers and ethical concerns surrounding this practice, urging global awareness and action.

Critical Reception

The Cove was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its urgent message, daring filmmaking, and emotional impact. Critics lauded its investigative journalism and its success in bringing a controversial issue to international attention, though some noted the emotional manipulation inherent in documentary filmmaking.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and disturbing expose of dolphin hunting.

  • Praised for its bravery and important message.

  • Effectively uses suspense and covert operations to reveal a hidden truth.

Google audience: Audiences widely praised The Cove for its eye-opening and important message regarding dolphin hunting, with many calling it a must-watch film that effectively raises awareness and inspires action. Some viewers expressed shock and sadness at the graphic content, but ultimately supported the film's mission.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010.

Fun Fact

The documentary's team used specialized camouflage and equipment, including high-definition cameras disguised as rocks, to film the dolphin hunt without being detected.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There is something pretty harrowing about this documentary and it's definitely not for the squeamish. It follows a clandestine investigation by some American conservationists who suspect that a remote cove near the Japanese town of Taiji is...

Kenneth Axel Carlsson

Kenneth Axel Car...

In Japan, there is a small town called Taiji. In Taiji, there is a place called the Cove. It is a secret place, a place where 23,000 dolphins are killed every year. The dolphins are not just killed, they are in fact slaughtered in the most ...