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The Cove

Play trailer Poster for The Cove PG-13 2009 1h 31m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
95% Tomatometer 133 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.
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The Cove

The Cove

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Though decidedly one-sided, The Cove is an impeccably crafted, suspenseful expose of the covert slaughter of dolphins in Japan.

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Critics Reviews

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Christine Champ Film.com May 6, 2011
A-
The Cove does what every great documentary with a cause should: It educates, entertains, and inspires audiences to take action. Go to Full Review Edward Porter The Times (UK) Oct 30, 2009
5/5
Restrained and harrowing. Go to Full Review Philip Wilding Empire Magazine Oct 23, 2009
4/5
A taut, thrilling documentary that plays out like a heist movie while never overshadowing its message or activist credentials. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Aug 28, 2023
4/4
Though the thriller aspects work to create an unexpected level of suspense, what is shown in the film delivers the cause’s most powerful blow. Go to Full Review Tom Meek Cambridge Day Jun 11, 2020
3.5/4
Disturbing beyond its graphic nature namely because of the widespread complicity in the town and unwavering cruelty. Go to Full Review Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper Jan 24, 2020
In this thriller-doc, the entertainment value of a heist flick combines with the merits of a cause. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad Sep 29, 2026 The Cove = a *5* star movie! See more Bahad j @RT27093708 Aug 7, 2024 This idea of ​​the film shooting technique director made the film more attractive to people. See more Geke g @RT40239519 Jul 28, 2024 No wonder why this film’s review is so high. 5 star. See more Munkhchimeg T @RT64187897 Jul 27, 2024 Come and watch the animal friendly people. Very informative and inspire us to take some action against some cruel things. See more Thomas M @TMProofreader Nov 26, 2022 The best documentary movie ever made! See more Jul 27, 2022 How and why exactly do we select what we want to eat, and is it really worth digesting? That's something to ponder about really considerably after watching this daring/thrilling, thought-provoking documentary that contributes to the stirring discussion originated from "Food, Inc." except this is more of a personal mission at peaked activism when presenting their efforts on screen while exposing the heads. Though some knowledgeable degrees are effectively dated, but the main point remains strong as well saddening that ignorance tend to think wrongly about, above questioned credibility upon both sides. (B+) See more Read all reviews
The Cove

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Cast & Crew

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Louie Psihoyos

Director

Hayden Panettiere

Self

Isabel Lucas

Self

Louie Psihoyos

Self

Richard O'Barry

Self

Paul Watson

Self

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The Cove

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Movie Info

Synopsis In Taiji, Japan, local fishermen hide a gruesome secret: the capture and slaughter of dolphins. Activist Ric O'Barry, who trained dolphins for the "Flipper" TV series, joins forces with filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society to expose the brutal practice, risking life and limb in the process.
Director
Louie Psihoyos
Producer
Paula Dupré Pesmen, Fisher Stevens
Screenwriter
Mark Monroe
Distributor
Roadside Attractions
Production Co
Diamond Docs
Rating
PG-13 (Disturbing Content)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 31, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$869.7K
Runtime
1h 31m
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