The Cove

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The Cove

PG-13

2009

1h 31m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

130 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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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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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.

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Edward Porter

The Times (UK)

Oct 30, 2009

5/5

Restrained and harrowing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 29, 2026

The Cove = a *5* star movie!

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Bahad j

@RT27093708 Aug 7, 2024

This idea of the film shooting technique director made the film more attractive to people.

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Geke g

@RT40239519 Jul 28, 2024

No wonder why this film’s review is so high. 5 star.

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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.

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Thomas M

@TMProofreader Nov 26, 2022

The best documentary movie ever made!

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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+)

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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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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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