Description
In a sleepy lagoon off the coast of Japan, behind a wall of barbed wire and “Keep Out signs, lies a shocking secret. It is here, under cover of night, that the fishermen of Taiji engage in an unseen hunt for thousands of dolphins. The nature of the work is so horrifying, a few desperate men will stop at nothing to keep it hidden from the world. But when an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free-divers embark on a covert mission to penetrate the cove, they discover that the shocking atrocities they find there are just the tip of the iceberg.
Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1
Language : English
Product dimensions : 1.45 x 13.11 x 19.41 cm; 68.04 Grams
Item Model Number : MFR031398115700#N
Director : Psihoyos, Louie
Media Format : AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen, Multiple Formats
Run time : 1 hour and 36 minutes
Release date : 8 December 2009
Subtitles: : English, Spanish
Studio : Lions Gate Home Entertainment
ASIN : B002PLMJ74
Number of discs : 1
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Alejandro –
Documental obligado para TODOS
Se requiere valor para ver este gran documental, vale cada centavo que pagues por apoyar su creación y su causa.He comprado el DVD como 4 veces pues siempre lo termino regalando y prestando a medio mundo, espero que el bluray me dure más.
One person found this helpful
TV –
EXCELENTE
Trata sobre la matanza de miles de delfines al año en una cala de Taiji (Japón). El hilo conductor del guión es cómo se las ingenia un grupo de activistas para conseguir grabar y así sacar a la luz lo que realmente ocurre en esa cala japonesa, tan “prohibida” que el documental por momentos parece una película de una misión secreta. La labor de ese grupo de activistas para dar a conocer el caso es encomiable, y el tema sigue de actualidad… esperemos que al final la presión mediática haga parar esta injusta e insostenible matanza, sostenida en parte porque también en esa cala atrapan delfines para delfinarios.Excelente documental, de los que hay que ver, de los que crean conciencia. Los extras, además, valen la pena.
Amazon Customer –
Japan!
Good but disgusting
Mamie Hayes –
Sad!
The sad reality of dolphin hunting.
J. Gordon –
A heartbreaking documentary about the brutality of the annual dolphin …
A heartbreaking documentary about the brutality of the annual dolphin slaughter in a small cove in Japan. Opens ones eyes to the reality of how barbaric we ‘civilized’ people can be to the creatures we are to care for.
One person found this helpful
Rainy Days –
Deeply horrifying and heartbreaking yet in a way a must see.
This Is at one one extremely tummy churning viewing and “A SEAT OF YOUR PANTS ” Bond-style THRILLER” extremely professionally presented with a very daring and scary secret civilian mission to expose and stop annual dolphin slaughter in secret isolated cove in Japan. The man presenting, Ric O’Barry trained the 5 dolphins we all knew as Flipper and he actually is being a quite introspective yet thinking proactively about the numbers of dolphins that have been captured for human entertainment, (the dvd box blurb elaborates) that Ric O’Barry had ‘One fateful day when heartbroken he came to realise that these deeply sensitive, highly intelligent creatures must never be subjected to human captivity again.The rest is a shocking must see eye opener, involving intelligence, bravery, guile and the very best crack team who travel to Japan to THE COVE Shallow water, deep secrets. There are some frames of footage that are so heart rending that they defy description and require tissues nearby.I saw this on BT tv years ago and I had to dig deep to remember enough about it to find it on dvd and so pleased I found it.Oh Gosh! For what it is, it really is a must have documentary, you just will not believe what you are seeing and it certainly leaves a stain on the psyche. Not for the kids before bed.This film is borderline on what can be described as entertainment but it is a documentary of derringer-do rather like the canon of Twin Towers dvds, I think one has to more sit down, be quiet and immerse yourself in the material. Again to call it ‘Great’ which it absolutely is, is hard to equate with the subject matter but if your curiosity is piqued, get this dvd and you will be watching an important film that otherwise may have escaped you. Thoroughly recommended.
Angelofthesea –
Where is this World Going?
Most reviews here has pretty much explained what this film is about. I was so excited when my copy came in the mail yesterday. I’ve wanted to see this film for a long time after hearing so much about it. I watched it practically right away. All I can say is it left me heartbroken for these animals of which I have grown to love-even before this film was made. I am very saddened to know this truth. I will never attend any marine park which puts these loving, peaceful animals into the no-choice position of our entertainment or pleasure for money. The money that comes out of our own pockets. This is a mental torture for these animals. Dolphins in general are very sensitive to sound-especially loud noise. You can imagine what they go through in thise shows. Thousands of people screaming in a stadium is unthinkable for them. Many of them die shortly after being held captive in these tanks due to the noise-they are suffering. The have been ripped away from not only their ocean environment but also their own families and pods. The animals become depressed, they may stop eating and as Rick O Barry explains in the film how the actor Dolphin named, “Cathy” committed a suicide in his arms. He tells us that dolphins are unlike humans in this way that us humans automatically breath for air. But dolphins and whales literally have to make a concious effort to breath.In this film it is also explained how overfishing is effecting this entire planet. Most of our fish comes from Japan. The Japanese are fishing too much, and estimated in 40 years we may see a collapse in the fishery departments. Not just overfishing, but almost every fish in this world right now, salt water or fresh water, contains high toxins of murcury. This murcury is extremely high in Dolphin and Whale. In Taiji, Japan they are killing 23,000 dolphins per year (whales included)from September until March. This is what I call, Red Season. Killing them for food. I call it “Red Season” because of the color of the bay due to all the killings.I think Rick O Barry is doing a great job at what he beleives in-and what I believe in. He is making up for his past and I praise and respect him for that. I honor him and those who help him.If you have a heart, You really should see this film. You’ll be glad you did. You will never go to “SeaWorld” again, you may think twice about eating Sushi or your Tuna/Swordfish steak, and will see the world quite differently.Thank you for taking the time to read my review.
5 people found this helpful
Claudia –
Imprescindible
Una obra absolutamente imprescindible para cualquiera que se considere defensor de la naturaleza y luchador contra las injusticias. Estar informado es vivir en el mundo, cerrar los ojos a los horrores que en él se cometen no puede ser una opción y este magnifico documental que te conmoverá hasta lo más hondo es el fruto del trabajo de un grupo de valientes que no se dejaron amedrentar por un gobierno que promueve la matanza de 23.000 delfines al año.
2 people found this helpful
Amy –
Great job – disgusting and inspiring all at the same time
Another great documentary that should be mainstream. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was pleasantly engaged in this one, not just another series of interviews with still shots like so many documentaries. I’m greatful for the persistence of the crew and the dolphin trainer that carries such a heavy weight on his shoulders. Hopefully the release of this film was cathartic for him. Well done.
2 people found this helpful
The Squirrel RehabberThe Squirrel Rehabber –
Excellent Documentary
This is an excellent documentary. This documentary won an Oscar in 2011. This still goes on to this very day. September 1 to March 1!Richard O’Barry And Louie Psihoyos are dear friends of mine. If you don’t understand about captivity on dolphins, this would be an excellent documentary to start out with! I do highly recommend this documentary! For yourself, a gift for a friend.
One person found this helpful
K. Bennett –
The Cove
This is not a film that looks backward and says “Yes, what a shame that was,” but one that screams “Look at what’s happening right now, and we really have to stop it!” As this masterful documentary states its case, we’re introduced to a bunch of key players: Richard O’Barry, former dolphin trainer and longtime advocate for the animals; filmmaker Louie Psihoyos, who spearheads a massive effort to expose this sickening practice; a pair of world-class free-divers who gladly throw their skills into the mix; and an extra handful of daredevils, tech experts, and cameramen who are willing to risk a month in a Japanese jail … just so they finally can get some video footage of these secret slaughters.A film that has to been seen.th
3 people found this helpful
Darryl –
Five Stars
Awesome documentary everyone should watch it
Ariel.Top –
More reasons to show that dolphins are marvelous, we should save them!
After watching this, I can’t help but love and even admire dolphins. I later found out that dolphins possess many more amazing features except the merits mentioned in the movie.1,Dolphins value their friends very much. They even treasure their friends’ dead body! They don’t allow other animals to eat their friend who died. So dozens or even hundreds of them will cluster around the dead one for more than ten days till its body gets rotten!2,Dolphins will stay with injured or ill individuals, even helping them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed. This altruism is limited to their own species. That expalins why they would rescue human lifes, just out of instinct!3,They have great maternal love. If a dolphind kid dies, the dolphin mother will try her very best to bring her dead child back to life, which could probably cost their own life. Therefore, workers of aquarium have to make great efforts to fish up it, though it is very hard as the dolphin mother will fight tooth and nail to against it.4, Each dolphin in a herd has his or her own name, so they can distinguish their friends not just by the voice but by a complex combination of sound.5CAlthough dolphins are pugnacious, they also like to reconciliate. A study conducted in an American zoo has shonw that after a fight, they would rub each other lightly or one would drag another one to swim across the swiming pool.6,Most dolphins have acute eyesight, both in and out of the water, and they can hear frequencies ten times or more above the upper limit of adult human hearing.Aren’t they marvelous? Shouldn’t we respect and save them?
2 people found this helpful
Fco. Javier –
Defensa de los animales
Increíble documental
KL –
A must see!!
This documentary/film is a must see. Ric O’Barry’s determination, and courage just demonstrates how far he is prepared to go to expose the mass slaughter of dolphins in Taiji Japan, which he has done. In a nutshell the annual slaughter is taking place due to mass profit. A dolphin to be sold into captivity can reach a staggering $150,000. as some of the dolphins caught are sold on to places like SeaWorld,and the rest are killed and sold as meat so no wonder the japanese government doesn’t want this exposed.Humanity should be ashamed of itself, we are driving some of the most intelligent species to extinction, yet man’s greed won’t be satisfied until he has utterly wiped out these beautiful creatures. The japanese fisherman consider dolphins to be pests, stating that they eat all the fish. Well the ocean belongs to it’s inhabitants not man, when will he realise this. I applaud any film that exposes issues such as these, and forces people to open their eyes, to how humanity is contributing to the decimation of the planet, and I have nothing but the upmost respect for Ric O’Barry, and the team who assisted him in making this film. I hope it can/will be televised in the very near future, everyone needs to see this.
6 people found this helpful
Frank L. Urbano –
Riveting Documentary
“The Cove” can only be described in one way – riveting. It tells the story of a secret slaughter of innocent dolphins in a small town in Japan. The trainer who worked with the original Flipper, Ric O’Barry, is now firmly against the captivity of any marine life, and the documentary shows his efforts to document the silent slaughter of thousands of dolphins each year in a small lagoon called ‘the cove’. He and his crew meet resistance on many fronts, and to their credit they persevere so the world sees the atrocity that is occurring there.Parts of the documentary are very hard to watch – notably the sections when the slaughter occurs. If you think of dolphins as similar to fish since they share the same environment, you will think again when you see these magnificent creatures suffer as they are killed. Part of the film shows the extent of the slaughter with no dialogue and this is the hardest part to watch – the water in the cove changes to bright red and you have to turn away for a second.If you have any inclination of feelings towards the majestic dolphin and other marine mammals, you will enjoy this film, if only for the fact that it shows the successful exposing of an atrocity by the Japanese. In this day and age, it is difficult to accept that such a slaughter is cultural – so was slavery in the American past, and look how far we’ve come.This one is a keeper. Watch it and get involved in saving these beautiful creatures.
10 people found this helpful
Bill –
Fishy goings-on
Let’s get the hype over with first. The packaging of my Amazon DVD shouts (quoting the Daily Telegraph, apparently): ‘A SEAT-OF-YOUR-PANTS Bond-style THRILLER’.No, it isn’t. It’s a fairly run-of-the-mill but well-meaning documentary with some spurious gadgetry thrown in to spice things up. This isn’t to say that the dolphin-bloodbath at the centre of the film is any-the-less horrific or worthy of exposure. But this actually occupies very little time or footage, and the rest of the film is padding (interesting padding, showing up some of Japan’s dubious policies in pursuit of its ‘right’ to hunt cetaceans, but padding never the less).All the skulduggery – cameras disguised as rocks or slung beneath model helicopters, underwater microphones planted by free diving experts, a miniature airship painted to resemble a whale – is just gimmickry which gets in the way of the film’s message. Many of the toys don’t even appear to get used. And maybe I’m just cynical, but some of the night-vision ‘action’ sequences seemed to be staged… and where were the cops? A group of guerilla activists descend on a Japanese hotel (and get through airport customs!) with enough black-bagged hardware to invade Iraq, and yet every night they manage to evade their police tails to successfully trespass around The Cove to conceal their surveillance equipment.Just for the sake of balance, the film would have been improved if we’d heard the fishermen’s point of view, if only to allow us to judge how indefensible it is. Still, the film does succeed in throwing a spotlight on a particularly unpleasant practice, and also raises wider questions about dolphin intelligence and the plight of whales, and fish, in general.But we don’t need to have James Bond on board to get the message across.
14 people found this helpful
Julie Smith –
Five Stars
This documentary was amazing, eye opening.
Renee Murakami –
The Cove
I was unhappy with this item that I purchased from Amazon. It was severely damaged and did not play well. It kept having to skip over the damaged parts every few seconds. I have since acquired an undamaged copy and have watched it in its entirety.As difficult as it may be to watch, or pay attention, to the end I believe that anyone who claims to be a conservationist must see this. Not only are we overfishing our seas, or oceans, but we are not taking care of our lands and airways. We are not the only beings who are entitled to live our lives in relative contentment and freedom. I suppose Richard OBarry believes he need to explain himself, or atone for past sins committed, but I found myself feeling a bit impatient to learn of what he discovered in the end.If the majority of Japanese citizens do not know about their fellow citizen fishermen, they should be made aware of what is being done to feed them. In my opinion what these fishermen are doing is horrific and I feel a bit like if there is a god I hope they are taken care of accordingly.Upton Sinclair said it all when he stated that it was difficult for a man to understand something when his salary, or livelihood, depended on him not understanding it. And it seems all government officials lie too easily, or perhaps they really believe what they are saying.
One person found this helpful
Yellowstone Wolf –
SAD BUT TRUE
This documentary talks about a dedicated team of Americans with cameras,secretly recording footage to expose to the world this horrible secret (if caught, their lives could be put in peril) . A town on the coast of Japan, called Taiji, hunts dolphins from Sept to May. Herding them by banging metal pipes, into an inlet called “The Cove”, the deadly vibrations echoing….. After these beautiful creatures are cornered the fishermen close off the opening with nets so they can’t escape. As their families on the other side cried & watched in horror. First the selected few, i.e.the “prettiest” ones, are netted & later sold to the highest bidders (places like Sea World). The rest are slaughtered, the water & beach forever stained with blood of over 20,000 dolphins, porpoises, and small whales each year. You can hear & see these dolphins being killed in the most inhumane ways possible. Afterwards, the carcasses are taken to a secret slaughterhouse & later sold to supermarkets. Dolphins, because of years of pollution, have toxic levels of Mercury. Most of the Japanese public is unaware of the carnage that goes on in The Cove. It hard at times to watch this movie, & I wouldn’t recommend it for small children. However, anyone who cares about animals I highly recommend it.
13 people found this helpful
Tom White –
Flipper wins again!
The Cove is a winner. This outstanding tale of an attempt to expose needless animal cruelty not only convincingly gained the support of environmentalists, but also the academy voters in winning the Best Documentary Oscar. Importantly it gained the support of the Japanese government in shutting down the slaughter of thousands of dolphins. More importantly it documents the harm that toxic waste, dumped into our oceans, does not only to the creatures of the oceans, but to people dependant on those resources. We can control the food manufacturing process, and as Food Inc dramatically demonstrates, we need to do more of that. Japan (and others around the world) can control the dumping of toxic wastes into their waters. This is a major cause of crippling illness to countless numbers of school children who are fed the dolphin meat through government controlled lunch programs. It’s one thing to feed our children unnutritous food, its another to feed them “poison”. The fact that so many of the workers in the fishing industry are affected by the toxicity as well could be said to be self inflicted. But these workers need to be protected too. Both of these documentaries deserve all the attention they get!
3 people found this helpful
Katie300 –
all students should see this
I was made aware of this film via another environmental documentary “Cool It” as it was a prevue to the main feature. I was about to skip the prevue when my twelfth grade students stopped me and said “let’s watch this” We were so taken aback by the prevue, my class asked if we could watch it instead. I was able to rent it that day from my local library and we watched it together for the first time. later that day, One of my ninth graders saw the jacket on my desk and asked what it was about. I decided to show it rather than what I had planned. It affected them so much and they were so upset by the first half of the film that they asked “what can we do?” I thought about it all weekend and came up with a plan. Two of those students are very motivated and I suggested they do a senior project around this. We got started making a list and formulating a plan as to how to proceed. I will let you know in four years when they are seniors how this all pans out.
2 people found this helpful
S. MacGregor –
Amazing! See this film, then take action!
I don’t usually write (never, until now) movie reviews because I don’t consider myself good at it, but I felt differently about this one because I want folks to see it even if they tend to avoid movies about sad subjects. If you’re like me, there are movies you want to see, you know you should see, but don’t get around to (for a while) because you know they’re going to be sad and depressing and it’s hard to get in the mood for. Often they end up being my favorites, but I’ll put them off in favor of more fun entertainment. While you’ll likely shed some tears, it’s not going to have you shooting tears like a super-soaker throughout. Rather, The Cove is fascinating, gripping, and had me on the edge of my seat, heart beating…you can’t imagine what the crew had to go through just to get the footage. Buy it and pass it along! This film inspired my to get window paint and write “Save the Cove Dolphins…” in huge letters on my car’s rear windshield.
2 people found this helpful
Rodney Varfley –
Watch Prior to Sushi Consumption 🙂
Seeing whales on the cover instantly brings me to childhood thoughts of the movie Free Willy or other kiddie shows like Flipper. Figured I would give this one a shotIt started off a little weird with you trying to figure out who the narrator was and why is he one of the subjects. After that settles and you see who’s who, this film just takes off. I felt a little stupid thinking I was aware of most of the issues concerning animals in captivity and their journey from the wild to the cages but this film taught me a great deal more.Don’t want to put spoilers in my review but this film was good. That whole Black Ops Japan stunt they pulled was phenomenal. I’m glad they put some behind-the-scenes footage to show us to what lengths they went to make it all happen.A film you can watch with the whole family. Public high schools should be showing films like these instead of boring us with 1950’s public service announcement classroom videos.Great film (by “great” I mean ten times better than Searching for Sugarman).
6 people found this helpful
Kasia –
Fantastically valuable viewing!
This was a super film. Words escape me. But I shall try. I had been wanting to watch The Cove for quite some time since finding out about it and especially since it won a well deserved Oscar!The build up in the film and the development of events is nail-biting and I found myself willing the crew and Ric to succeed especially after all the blood, sweat and tears they put into this campaign.Ric’s background with the Flipper dolphins that he trained is very moving and his willingness to share his history with the dolphins and to openly admit his mistakes is very humbling. Respect to Ric O’Barry for being so open and honest and for trying to right his wrongs which is more than many people would do.Everybody should watch this film – I watched it late at night and couldn’t wait to start writing to my MP. Perhaps it will motivate others to act similarly.
9 people found this helpful
DuVall –
The Japanese and Sea Food
Some Japanese people have been made to believe dolphins are nothing but PESTS engulfing their fish supply so while slaughtering 2000 dolphins a year they think nothing in butchering the innocent, sentient animal/people. Yet the world fish supply including Cetaceans contain high levels of mercury which is not only poisoning the Japanese people but those who regularly consume any kind of so-called sea food as well.NOTE: Mercury released into the environment becomes a serious threat when it settles into oceans and waterways, where it builds up in fish. Exposure to mercury may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life. It may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Mercury is considered as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern.
7 people found this helpful
S. Barrett –
fantastic
My children (10 and 11) and I watched this movie together and the subject is tough but superbly put together. I grew up on Flipper and Ric O’Barry’s determination to find redemption for the entertainment business he helped create is admirable and the group of people joining him are amazing for their commitment. The Dolphin, as recently reported has the largest brain second only to human’s, their communication is sophisticated and powerful. Scientists say that we should treat them as ‘non-human’ persons because of their level of intelligence. I feel that this awareness has not yet got to Japan and to Taiji, but hopefully the ripple effect of this movie will help this awareness spread. Please, if you are so inclined, sign the petition to stop this brutal killing. Google ‘The Cove’. We all make the difference.
5 people found this helpful
Daniel –
Not to be Taken Lightly.
This is one of those documentaries that will either motivate you to go out and fight for the helpless or it will just make you incredibly emotional. For me, I felt anger.The film depicts the effort to obtain evidence that Dolphins were actually being slaughtered en mass in a small remote cove in Japan. It is awesome to see how many people from different walks of life with varying skills help to achieve this goal.And***SPOILER ALERT***It is such a “take that!” moment when they do achieve it. Seriously, knowing they do will not diminish the impact of how it is depicted in this film.My only warning is that you really need to be emotionally prepared to watch this film. This is not a cheap tug at the heartstrings. This is a squarely placed kick in the crotch. It will impact you one way or another.
3 people found this helpful
meaner –
The Cove
I’m heart torn as to which star to give because so many died a cruel death!! I know you told of this horrid, terrible thing but it saddens my heart to see such waste & cruelty!! I really want to go myself & torture all those that keep doing this disgusting act to all creatures & wish that they all get washed away in a Tsunami!!! They’ve had 2 so you’d think they would catch a clue to stop torturing all the animals!! China should as well be next!! Sorry!! I am just so emotional about this!! The movie was wonderful because it did show light to this cruel, horrid act that got people aware of the Japanese & their awful doings!! Because of that reason alone you get a 5!! I hope the photographers & those that were there filming this gross act are doing well & hope they get to film the total change very soon!!!
6 people found this helpful
Michael T. Bean –
Hard To Find
I might have rated this item at four and a half stars for condition because the case had been a bit abused and the DVD itself had a very visible scratch, but it played on my player with no skips or other problems.This film is not for the faint of heart. While the eating of marine mamals is not unknown in some cultures, the people of Japan were not told that some meat was sourced from dolphins. This deception apparently caused quiet an uproar in Japan when it was exposed. The method these dolphins were “harvested” was really inhumane. This is a film that really needed to be made.
6 people found this helpful
ANTONIO RAMIREZ –
De visionado obligado.
Aunque es un documental, hay que decir que “The Cove” consigue mantener el interes y la tension de los mejores thrillers. La operacion para denunciar las matanzas de delfines en Taiji y la hipocresia del gobierno japones es increible y solo se puede sentir admiracion por el compromiso de la gente de la OPS que esta detras de todo. Probablemente el mejor documental que yo haya visto. Imprescindible
2 people found this helpful
Ms. S. J. Markworth –
The Cove
In his film debut The Cove, award-winning director/photographer Louie Psihoyos highlights the gruesome, annual slaughter of about 2,300 dolphins in a National Park at Taiji, Wakayama, in Japan.Backed up with hard facts, interviews and undercover evidence the documentary follows the atonement of “Flipper” trainer Ric O’Barry as he continues on his dangerous quest to end the annual killing of dolphins trapped in a secret cove.Within this film, uncomfortable footage highlights the length of deception the authorities are prepared to go to in order to hide the abuse of these animals. While the entire town promotes their love of cetaceans, attracting tourists from all over the world, activities at the aggressively guarded cove indicate a far less loving regard for the animals.We see Japanese marine scientists select a few dolphins destined for theme parks across the world. In graphic, spine chilling footage we see the fate of the remaining few hundred dolphins. These are brutally, inhumanely bludgeoned to death before being sold off as meat.Evidence of rampant corruption is unleashed to the Japanese public as the illegal toxicity levels of mercury found in the dolphin meat is exposed.Director Louie Psihoyos justifies his need for the secret, undercover filming as his attempts to openly collect footage of the cove are met with threats of violence from the local fishermen and intimidation by the Japanese authorities.Not only has this film been well shot using the latest digital equipment but it is also a story beautifully told. The viewer will benefit from a collaboration of marine conservation experts willing to share over 40 years worth of knowledge.Achieving awards in cinematography, production and best documentary this film is much more than the promotion of dolphin conservation it is also an insight into the corruption, by large marine park corporations, of the institutions put in place to protect these marine species.This powerful documentary will entertain all but if you have any leanings towards marine conservation this film is a must see as it is packed with facts highlighting the plight of conservation leaders worldwide. After watching this film you might find yourself asking: “What can I do to help?”
44 people found this helpful
Jean Michel –
Japan’s Dirty Secret and Marine Entertainment Shows
This is an excellent documentary and worthy of its Oscar nomination.Most importantly is its message that certain groups in Japan’s fishing industry and political institutions are willing to lie to their own people about mercury poisoning as well as covering up the horrific slaugher of these beautiful creatures. Watch the film and prepare to be shocked, but also educated.The film also highlights the games Japan’s government plays at the International Whaling Commission in bribing poor small island nations, most of whom actually have no interest in the whaling industry to vote in support of Japan’s efforts to increase whaling activities. The film highlights the ecological disaster that is occuring in one local spot, but also paints the canvas of the broader ecological disaster occuring for cetaceans around the globe. Japan (or more accurately a Japanese fishing community and the Japanese government) may be the villain of this piece – most Japanese are ignorant of the facts; but the film also highlights the unnecessary death and stress caused to cetaceans captured from the wild to perform party tricks for western and asian marine entertainment parks (a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide).It is difficult to watch this film and not feel sick and angry. However, the film provides an important educational tool which will hopefully mobilise people to save these beautiful animals from such selfish, senseless slaughter and captivity.
7 people found this helpful
Lori Clarke –
Happy
Very good movie
Cliente Amazon –
Genial
Es un dvd genial describe totalmente como acontecieron los salvajes asesinatos de delfines es triste pero corresponde con la realidad
P. D. Smith –
A stain on Japan and a stain on humanity
This film connects all the dots about dolphins in marine parks and swim with dolphin programmes and how they are sourced. SeaWorld has claimed they are there to educate on the wonders of marine life, but refuse to show The Cove. Why? SeaWorld actually use to buy dolphins from Taiji, Japan. Okay, this was a long time ago but they have placed themselves in a very difficult position. This film is much more than the just the end sequences which are upsetting, but it says so much more about money, corruption and humanity.The strength of this film is about the courage of those that made it, but also to those people who documented this story but who never had the money to get it into the mainstream.Japan needs the oceans to live because it does not have the argriculture that we take for granted, but it must also learn to live in harmony rather than just keep consuming without thinking about the consequences of its actions.This is not just Japan’s problem. It a problem we must all face in terms of how we must learn and to co-exist with other life forms which share the planet with ourselves.Whales and dolphins have adapted well to their ocean environment. We must also evolve as a species to do the same.
7 people found this helpful
Lepus Aquaticus –
wonderful music, humor–in spots & riveting tension–yes of the …
This film is a landmark, a testament to Humanity’s willful malicious aggression against nature, “The Sea” & other (in this case: super-intelligent) species with whom we share this nurturing “Blue Marble” & to those Humans open enopugh & tough enough to try to interrupt those evil practices.In the case of Louie’s movie, the target of above-mentioned malicious human aggression (MHA) are Dolphin-pods, Pilot Whales, porpoises & other “small Cetaceans”, who’re unfortunate enough to cruise past the out-port of Taiji–in Wakayama prefecture, Japan–during the Cetacean’s annual migration. The Humans who’re chiefly perpetrating MHA, against these super-intelligent, self-aware animals, are Japanese fishermen & the site of their malfeasance is a cove to the side of another inlet on the Japanese Coast, @ Taij.The fishermen use a diabolically clever ruse, to herd the Cetaceans to The Cove: a line of ~12 boats approach the pods & said vessels develop an underwater “wall of sound”, as the fishermen pound on plates welded across the upper end of long pipes dipped into the sea @ the side of the boats. Dolphins are (in words of Rick O ‘Barr: “Acoustic animals”) hypersensitive to sound–so this works too well; it’s “guess-timated” on the order of 20,000 Cetaceans, of 1 species or another, are killed @ Taiji–each year.Louie’s movie (Louie Psyhoyos is/was a photographer for Nat. Geographic & is a certified Rebreather-Scuba diver) is a first, brave attempt to shut down above-described barbaric practice, by “blowing the whistle” on it, in the first place. Mandy-Rae & Kirk Krack, Freedivers emeritus (she’s an 8 times World champion, in one or another sub-discipline of that sport) are on hand to plant camera & hydrophones on the floor of the “Killing Cove”. In fact, Louie assembled a virtual “Ocean’s Eleven” of very competent experts,in various fields, as diverse as movie-prop making, afore-mentioned Freediving, model-helicopter flying, general inventing, general risk-taking & logistical planning–all in aid of actually filming the documentary–covertly, since the local authorities were hardly supportive. Richard O’BArry, trainer of the original “Flipper” was part of the team, as he’d become a seasoned “Dolphin-lib” activist.This extremely well-crafted film (tightly edited, wonderful music, humor–in spots & riveting tension–yes of the kind & of the intensity of a spy movie) is one film that I can only watch once or twice a month–it’s simply too intense. The filmmakers scored (via some diabolically cleverly hidden cameras–stashed @ night) some intense footage of the actual harpooning of Cetaceans, trapped in a shallow inlet & frightened out’ve their wits. The Cove really does “run red”, with blood of murdered Cetaceans….This is a package calculated to change people’s minds & dispel our typical North-American inertia & it achieves its end wonderfully.
One person found this helpful
Francisco Sanchez Sanchez –
Buena
Documental muy interesante te ayuda a comprender la realidad de los delfines en cautividad , y el negocio montado a Costa de su libertad
Antonio –
Un documental lleno de valores y de lo que es la lucha del hombre, de la razón y del corazón frente a la máquina de hacer dinero
Es un fiel reflejo de lo que es nuestro mundo y de cómo son de poderosos los intereses y las mentiras del dinero. David frente a Goliath
Krysten Coben –
Great product
Great product
Betty Monroe –
Nominated for an Academy Award
I can’t be objective about this film since my son, Mark Monroe, is the writer. I am tremendously proud of him.The documentary’s importance can be recognized by the fact that it has been nominated for an Academy Award and is winning awards from many of the preliminary organizations that take place before Oscar night.I found it to be an exciting adventure as well as an education about what is being done to intelligent, gentle dolphins and what one man and organization is doing to tell the world about it. They have exposed the mistreatment and murder taking place in a secret cove in Japan.It left me feeling that something important is happening to make a difference in this world and that one person can make this happen.
17 people found this helpful
sarah –
shocking.
rick o’berry is an amazing man who deserves a knighthood!!after watching this on tv and like so many who have a love and respect for animals I felt such shock and outrage that I new I had to do something. I am one of the thousands who now actively campaign for the freedom of whales and dolphins as well as spreading awareness to stop this meaning less slaughter. one thing I could do was to share this dvd with others to try and spread the word.if you have any love for dolphins then watch this and get involved, but I warn you it will break your heart!
MV –
Please do watch this film
Please do watch this film.It is uncomfortable to watch but certainly worth it.I bought the dvd after watching the film online. Before watching this film I had no idea that thousands of dolphins are killed every year in order to have a few imprisoned in the sea worlds and aquariums around the world. One of the extra ‘Mercury Rising’ is also very informative and chilling .It is shocking that the information provided within this dvd is not made widely available by the mass media but kept hidden instead.By buying the dvd you also support the incredible work that they have been carrying out.
One person found this helpful
Mr. William Tennant –
The Cove – The Shame
This film is superbly made showing the very sad yet brutal business of dolphin sale and murder of the one not needed. During the film one man says that Greenpeace and the WWF know what is happening here yet do nothing. Once you watch this compelling film i am sure you will want to email both to register your disgust at the lack of action they are taking. This is a very sad film, a horrible subject but a film you wont be able to turn off. A need to see film, get it now.
Dan –
What is the Cove? Let me tell you…
An incredibly well-made introduction to an issue that few of us, at least previous to this films success knew little or nothing of. Very few documentaries are as thrilling, funny, powerful and inspiring as this one. If you haven’t got a copy I suggest get one! Once you’ve watched the film you’ll see why it was worth it. Besides, the money you pay for helps out the very campaign it features. It’s not often you can do good in the world and get an Oscar-winning film all in one go!
One person found this helpful
Alex –
Sad, but harsh truth
Hard to say I love it when it’s a very frustrating movie. But truth sets us free, and that’s why I love this movie. This is one of those documentaries that makes you realize how comfortable we can get in our ignorance. But we have to be aware of our world and our surroundings, we have to teach our kids about the importance of balance in nature and have conversations with our friends and family about that. This docu-film reflects greatly the disaster that can be done by some people and how they get away with and all of this could change if ALL OF US were aware of this and ACT!
One person found this helpful
creativerin –
Documentary to keep in mind
Since the moment i watched the UK premiere of “The Cove” i couldn’t stop thinking of how humans can reach such a low point of shame, killing dolphins in such a rude way (that you never wish even to your worst enemy) or imprisoning for life those beautiful animals just for a “pure entertaining purpose”… so much that i chose to buy the DVD of such a beautifully narrated and directed documentary, to show to all family and people that i know, what happens in some part of the world as i believe that knowledge is our power to change things in life. A DOCUMENTARY THAT EVERYBODY SHOULD WATCH!!!
One person found this helpful
J. CORK –
The Cove, the truth behind the slaughter of inncent Dolphins
This documentary is now nomitated for an Oscar as Best documentary, and I totally agree. All the reviews below say more than I could in words. The film really speaks for itself, and is truly an eye opener. I think anyone who cares for animals and the environment will find this film a must see. It was made with passion by talented people and it’s amazing that we can now see it. It should be seen by everyone.
The Cove [DVD] [2009
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One person found this helpful
RK –
An important and impressive film
This is an important film. This should bring about the ultimate demise of the captive dolphin and orca industry as it shows here, they are despicable and cruel in the way these animals are farmed, butchered and a selection are sold to be performers for food in inappropriate and inhumane conditions. Since this film came out, SeaWorld and its ilk have taken a bit of a beating. I sincerely hope this is the film that brings about the demise of the whole sorry business.
Di –
The Cove
I have forwarded this documentary to my people in Jamaica where there is another dolphin cove. We were not allowed cameras and the cost was outrageous. I could not take part in this tourist attraction back in the day for I felt sincerely disturbed then and now this video confirmed how people care so little about these creatures that they hold them in captivity for mere profit. The expense that is needed to feed these animals when they could simply feed them selves if left on their own is mind boggling. Please watch this video, even though it is extremely depressing to know the truth.
2 people found this helpful
Walter Rothon –
Disturbing but thrilling documentary
Little heard of Taiji, Japan has hit the headlines in recent years with their deplorable record on the slaughter of dolphins. Disturbing in lengths the locals go to with regards protecting their ‘secret’, at least the filming or documenting of their actions, this documentary makes for an enthralling yet horrifying watch. Regardless of the international outcry, despite the attempts by organisations like Sea Shepherd, and interestingly enough in spite of the health implications for their own people, the fishermen and families of Taiji continue to practice their brutal farming and killing practices.This tale is both a documentary and a thriller. It will keep you on your toes for the duration and you will be enlightened as to what happens every year in a small village in Japan.
4 people found this helpful
Anandi –
A Question of Disappointment
The film is exceptonal with high attention getting impact for helping our lovely friends. I attempted to purchase three DVD’s from Amazon to help spread the word; but I ended with an order of four DVD’s and do not know how this happened. I was a little upset that I had to pay for more than I ordered. Because it is for helping our wonderful friends who can’t help themselves in this situation because of our ignorance and lack of gratefulness to them, I thought maybe I was supposed to have four instead of three. I am using two as floating loaners and two as gifts to people whom I believe will lend them out or show to groups. I am no longer disappointed. Anandi Devi M
Lynn Marshall –
Hard hitting look at the truth.
Very well made these men and women took massive chances being there especially with what they were doing. The way they got some of the footage must have been scary for them I have so much admiration for Rick O’Barry and the others for making this film. The only other thing I can say is 10/10
alexandrabest –
A message everyone should see
I very rarely review the products I buy but I feel compelled to do so for this documentary. Having missed the showing on TV last month I decided to buy the DVD and I’m pleased I did so. I’ve been able to show it to members of my family as I really think this is something that everyone should see. The footage is upsetting at times but it gives you the kind of unease which you feel is uncomfortable in an educational way and so its probably worth sitting through. And it really is. The documentary uncovers some horrible truths. Its well filmed but the overwhelming thing the film has going for it is the social message.
2 people found this helpful
Maggie Gaines –
THE COVE (DVD) – EXCELLENT!
I adore dolphins and this report on what is going on in Taji Japan is very good and at the same time so sad. Dolphins are very friendly and intelligent creatures and what the …. Japanese are doing to them is absolutely heartbreaking. The Japanese trap them in nets in side a cove, slaugter them (the dolphins are in great pain; you can hear them crying out) and then to top it off, once the dolphins are dead, there meat is sold to the Japanese people. The meat is not properly identified and the Japanese people who are eating it are unaware that what they are eating have high mercury levels. So this is a double whammy. Disgusting, really.Regards,Maggie Gaines
Ryouma Sakamoto –
People of Taiji have the right to defend their property against dolphins
This movie was a movie I wanted to watch.As a Japanese, I can not rate this movie as 5 stars.This movie is a kind of propaganda like the movie “Bowling for Columbine”.Selling dolphin meat as whale is wrong.And covering mercury poisoning up is wrong if it is true.But please think about killing cows, pigs, chickens for meat.I think killing animals for meat could be cruel if killing dolphins is cruel.and they didn’t mention the history of dolphin and whale hunting in Japan.In 19th century, Western whale hunter used to kill whales to get its oil just for fuel for the lamp, they threw whale meats and bones into sea while Japanese hunted them for food.The dolphine is not a endangered species like the bird Toki which is in the verge of its extinction. Dolphines are braking the Ikesu where fishes are feeded by fishermen, they eat fishes fishermen feed to sell for their living.And the dolphin population in the world’s oceans continue to increase every year.More dolphins, less fishes in Ikesu.I think fishermen of Taiji,Japan have the right to protect their property.If you were fishermen of Taiji, would you let dolphins eat your fishes as many as they want?And, as described in the movie, how can dolphines commit suicide?Is it a kind of joke?If you watch this movie, please think of what I said.And I think forcing Japanese to stop slaughtering dolphines is like forcing American people to stop owing guns.As American people needs guns for protection, fishermen of Taiji must hunt dolphins to protect their property.
27 people found this helpful
Solvent –
The Cove – a heartbreaking discovery
Spoiler warning!The hardest is to see helpless suffer and die. Yet I felt compelled to watch every moment of this magnificent movie. All I can say that Ric and the rest of the crew have put their hearts and mind to show us how 23000 beautiful beings meet their demise at the hands of a few. A secret is out now and we must face this issue along with the rest of the suffering we are causing or allowing to happen.The most astonishing scene is when Ric O’Barry walks in to the IWC meeting with a video screen strapped to his body showing the dying dolphins. His face tells a whole story…This movie is highly recommended to all HUMAN BEINGS!!! Please become an ACTIVIST!All the best!
One person found this helpful
R. L. Creaton –
Not all blood and gore
I think many people (like I was) a bit put off from watching it because they expect 2 hours of gore, watching dolphins die. It’s not like that at all. Most of the film explains the background story of the man who has been trying to catch the worlds attention about this issue. Also the expert team who ingeniously get cameras into the heavily protected cove where it all happens. Really its only the last 5/10 minutes of difficult viewing, the rest is inspiring. It will inspire you to do something about this very real and brutal issue.
5 people found this helpful
Sever Tomorrow –
Left the theater speechless… just got DVD from Amazon
A MUST SEE – no exceptions. Pre-ordered from Amazon and got it a day after! wow… free shipping, too. Thanks, Amazon – you guys rock. Purchased with Food, Inc. DVD – both movies have been nominated for an Oscar! Sweet. Anyways,Incredible movie—exposes a hidden industry, and exposes a bloody background behind sea-theme parks/aquariums/swim with the dolphin events worldwide… which is a MUST if you’ve ever been to one.DVD has cool special features, too. Quality is A+. Might purchases on blu-ray, when it comes out, as well. Remember, all purchases go to help put an end to these disturbing practices.Weak-stomach folks: the graphic content in this film doesn’t exceed over a min. and a half, I believe. That compared to a 90 min. movie is nothing. Peace.
9 people found this helpful
Donald E. Parsons –
The Cove Documentary
This was a bit tough to watch but it probably raises interest in the care and maintenance of ocean resources. I realize that Japan’s reputation may suffer harm as people watch this documentary but also as they realize that the classless, immoral and barbaric practice of dog fighting is perfectly legal in this country. The film was very well done and goes directly to the point skipping needless political content. I recommend that children under the age of 10 or so may not need to watch this absent parental interpretation.
3 people found this helpful