Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gruesome, powerful, and inspiring dolphin documentary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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The Cove
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a powerful and emotional depiction of the brutal slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan, showcasing the inspiring efforts of activists trying to put an end to this practice. While it delivers a crucial message about animal rights and the importance of awareness, many reviews caution that the movie contains graphic and violent scenes, making it more suitable for older audiences.
- emotional impact
- strong message
- graphic content
- ages recommended
- awareness importance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE COVE shows how, in the small fishing village of Taiji, Japan, thousands of dolphins are slaughtered every year. Some of them are captured and sold to theme parks for huge amounts of money, and poisonous dolphin meat (with its high mercury content) is passed off at fish markets, labeled as other products. Former dolphin trailer Ric O'Barry, who is famous for his work on the Flipper TV series of the 1960s, is now an activist devoted to saving and freeing the dolphins. Teamed up with a squad of experts, his job is to set up cameras and audio equipment in order to capture hard proof of the gory and disturbing slaughter. Unfortunately, the Japanese authorities are well aware of O'Barry and his agenda, and are keeping a close eye on him.
Is It Any Good?
Winner of the 2009 Oscar for Best Documentary, this film will probably turn away many viewers with the promise of gruesome footage of slaughtered dolphins. But The Cove is such a powerful, informative, and inspirational movie that all of the footage somehow meshes as part of the same experience.
It's amazing how the film balances its many storylines in a compact 90 minutes. We learn about the life and career of former dolphin trainer Ric O'Barry, the efforts of the Japanese government to legally continue their practices, the intelligence and/or awareness of dolphins, the effects of mercury in dolphin meat, and many other facts and opinions. The main drive of the movie -- O'Barry and his team's efforts to set up their cameras to film proof of the dolphin slaughter -- is as suspenseful as a spy film, and the end result is a combination of elating and devastating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the disturbing and violent images in The Cove. Was it necessary to show them?
Are Ric O'Barry's methods to save the dolphins drastic, or are they appropriate? What else could people do to help?
If the dolphins are smarter than humans, what types of things might they teach us?
What other atrocities are happening in the world in the name of greed and profit? What are some of the other ways we can stop them?
How do Ric O'Barry and his team demonstrate courage and integrity in The Cove? What about perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 31, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : December 8, 2009
- Cast : Richard O'Barry
- Director : Louie Psihoyos
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing content
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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