The Cove (2009)

Not Recommended

USA

Feature Documentary

Director: Louie Psihoyos

Writer: Mark Monroe

Cinematographer: Brook Aitken

Composer: J. Ralph

Featuring: Richard O'Barry, Louie Psihoyos

Although it’s hard to fault the basic sentiment behind the making of this admittedly eye-opening film – a polemical attack on dolphin fishing in Japan, highlighting both the inhumane slaughtering methods employed by the fishermen and the mercury related health risks of its meat – its thriller like structure (complete with blood-splattered finale), its rather manipulative score, and the fact that it was made by American rather than Japanese film-makers (giving it something of a patronising, colonial feel) ensure that the overall effect is somewhat distasteful. Iain.Stott