The Cove (2009)

In the shadowy waters of Taiji, Japan, a haunting secret thrives, carefully guarded by local fishermen. A clandestine operation of capturing and slaughtering wild dolphins unfolds, concealed from the unsuspecting world. It's here that Richard O'Barry, the man who once captured and trained dolphins for the iconic television show Flipper (1964), embarks on a mission to reveal the horrifying truth. After the heart-wrenching suicide of Kathy, one of his cherished dolphins, in his arms due to the stress of captivity, O'Barry's perspective undergoes a drastic transformation. He evolves from dolphin trainer to a spirited advocate for the preservation of cetaceans in the wild and a vocal opponent against their captivity. Partnering with award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society, O'Barry embarks on a daring quest to expose this brutal practice. The secluded cove where these atrocities occur is heavily fortified, yet the team braves the odds, venturing into the belly of the beast. Recognized as adversaries by the local authorities, they risk their lives, resorting to covert tactics to document this cruel behavior. They assemble an eclectic team of Hollywood cameramen and deep sea free divers to capture conclusive evidence of this clandestine operation. In this riveting documentary, they not only illuminate the cruel acts against dolphins but also shed light on the hazardous consumption of dolphin meat. Sold under false labels and containing high concentrations of mercury, this deceptive practice endangers public health. The film also casts a critical eye on the Japanese government's manipulative tactics of buying support from impoverished third world nations to bolster Japan's whaling industry, particularly at the International Whaling Commission. 'The Cove' (2009) is an exploration of courage, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of perilous odds. It's a wake-up call to the world, revealing a nightmare that unfolds beneath the tranquil surface of the sea.

The Cove is a documentary movie featuring Joe Chisholm.

The Cove is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and Xumo Play and it's also available on Fandor, Fandor Amazon Channel, Hoopla and Hulu.

It is also possible to buy The Cove on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store and YouTube.